MSc Applied Zoo Biology

“It was a no-brainer when considering where I wanted to take my education further”

I’ve always been a Sparsholt student – I first completed my Diploma in Horse Management, then a BSc in Equine Science, before then switching it all up and going on to MSc Applied Zoo Biology.  It was a no-brainer when considering where I wanted to take my education further – it had to be Sparsholt. The campus is absolutely stunning, and the facilities and lecturers are brilliant.

I was concerned that I was going to struggle on this course, as I had a three-year gap from education and I previously studied only horses! However, all of the staff at Sparsholt have been very supportive, as have my peers, so the transition to a new course was much easier than expected! We have had so many trips to different collections where we’ve learnt data collection skills. We’ve even had a special behind the scenes tour at Tring Natural History Museum, where we saw the genuine specimens that Charles Darwin brought back from the Galapagos.

One of the best and most important parts of this course was the opportunity to apply for an Internship at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. I’m pleased to say I am currently the Large Mammal intern. This opportunity is fantastic as this industry is really difficult to get into, and having six months experience to add to my CV along with my qualifications are going to make a huge difference when applying for jobs.  My tutor has been so supportive in preparing me for the internship and she has always been at the other end of the phone when I’ve needed to speak to her.

My aim is to work in the zoo industry to gain experience and I have just been offered a trainee keeper job at WWT Arundel! Sparsholt has given me multiple opportunities to develop my skills and forge industry relationships and I would love to progress onto a PhD one day.

Sparsholt also has such a reputation; it is so positively recognised in the industry. The facilities are really good and there are always new developments to the campus – such as a state of the art, Rider Performance Studio, new species exhibits down at the Animal Management Centre, and even a Starbucks! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in the future.

Find out more about Animal Science and Zoo Biology Degree Courses at University Centre Sparsholt