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ANIM5006
Contemporary Zoo Management

Discover how modern zoos operate within a rapidly changing global landscape. You’ll explore their evolving purpose, from conservation and public education to participation in international networks. Through real-world examples, you’ll assess how mission, business strategy and organisational structure shape the work of public, private and non-profit zoos today.

ANIM5007
Small Population Conservation 20 credits

Investigate the challenges of conserving small animal populations both in the wild and in captivity. You’ll explore genetic, behavioural, reproductive and practical considerations that influence survival and extinction, while critiquing the tools conservationists use to maintain healthy populations. This module builds your ability to evaluate and design evidence?based conservation strategies.

ANIM5008
Conservation Ecology and Society

Explore how conservation science is applied by zoos and environmental organisations working to protect biodiversity. You’ll examine ecological principles alongside human behavioural drivers, governance, and project-management approaches. By integrating these perspectives, you’ll learn how interdisciplinary thinking helps shape successful, impactful conservation initiatives worldwide.

ANIM5010
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research

Examine how evolution and behavioural function underpin modern approaches to animal welfare. You’ll evaluate behavioural, physiological and cognitive indicators used in zoos and aquariums, and learn how to design welfare assessments that lead to meaningful improvements. This module strengthens your ability to apply behaviour science to enhance captive environments and animal wellbeing.

APIE500
Masters Placement Preparation

This is a non-credit module designed to help students prepare for an optional industrial placement as part of their Master’s programme. The module introduces students to various placement types, employer expectations, and the university’s placement approval procedures. Although there is no formal assessment, successful completion ensures students are prepared to engage confidently and professionally with prospective placement opportunities.

ANIM5012
Aquarium Health and Nutrition

This module provides an in-depth exploration of preventative health care and comparative nutrition for aquatic species in captive environments. Students will learn how environmental and dietary factors influence animal health and how to design husbandry regimes that support wellbeing across a broad range of species. The module combines theory with practical insights, encouraging critical analysis of enclosure design, disease prevention, and nutritional management in aquariums as centres for conservation, research, and education. Assessment is entirely coursework-based, including a data interpretation exercise and a portfolio.

PROJ522
MSc Dissertation 60 credits

Complete an independent, in depth research project shaped around your scientific interests. Work with an academic supervisor, to define a research question, develop a hypothesis and design a robust methodology. You may undertake experimental, field based or desk based research, applying appropriate analytical and statistical techniques, developing independent thinking, problem solving and critical evaluation skills.

BMS500
SoBMS Postgraduate Methods Module 20 credits

This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.

APIE501
Masters Placement

This module offers students the opportunity to gain significant professional experience through a 6–12 month placement relevant to their masters programme. The module is designed to integrate academic learning with practical workplace application, helping students develop advanced technical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. It also encourages critical reflection on their role, responsibilities, and professional growth within an organisational setting. Assessment is based on progress reports, tutor and employer evaluations, and a reflective report or portfolio, with a pass/fail outcome.