Wildlife Conservation (MRes)

University of Southampton

MRes Wildlife Conservation is globally unique as the only Master of Research run collaboratively with a conservation organisation. It includes an 8-month independent research project with real-world conservation impact. You'll gain experience working with Marwell Wildlife, while studying for your master’s.Our master's in wildlife conservation is designed to give you the skills to be a 21st century conservation biologist. Many of our graduates have progressed to PhD study and 80% are working in the conservation sector.Your research project will be part of the work being carried out by Marwell Wildlife. During your studies, you’ll join the conservation biology team, based at the Science and Learning Centre at Marwell Zoo.This wildlife conservation degree also includes a 10-day trip to Kenya, which is covered as part of the course fees. You’ll collect data and report your findings to stakeholders giving you real experience of a conservation biologist working in Africa.You’ll undertake your research project, from the second semester onwards, supervised by a conservation biologist from Marwell, and a member of academic staff from the School of Biological Sciences. Your research project will be based at one of Marwell Wildlife’s research sites in the UK or overseas in either Kenya or Tunisia.The project areas you can choose from are aligned with current research at Marwell Wildlife. Exact project allocation takes place as part of the application and interview process. This means we can match students’ interests and skills with current opportunities.Previous students have researched the following subjects:Habitat suitability and connectivity in a fragmented landscape for the Hazel dormouseInvestigating the effect of climate variables impact the health of herbivores and carnivores in three Tunisian protected areasThe effects of rewetting on vegetation biodiversity and structure in a wet heathland ecosystemEvaluating the extinction risk of ex situ populations