Studying wildlife conservation at Sydney
Our rankings
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
Our Taronga-Sydney Alliance provides unparalleled opportunities to develop skills and expertise in achieving conservation outcomes.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
This unique degree will develop your expertise in wildlife conservation. If you have a passion for animals and dream of making an impact in the conservation sector, this course will provide highly applicable and sought-after skills for a wide range of careers.
You will be taught by dedicated researchers and practitioners from two of Australia’s premier institutions – the University of Sydney and Taronga Conservation Society Australia – as you learn to address global conservation challenges. Let us inspire you to become the next generation of wildlife conservation professionals.
The Taronga Wildlife Conservation stream comprises a Wildlife Conservation major that combines biology, ecology and conservation with additional prescribed units of study in statistics and animal sciences. It provides extensive training in all aspects of wildlife conservation incorporating the study of animal health and welfare, wildlife management, and animal behaviour.
Classes will take place at the University’s Camperdown and Camden campuses, at the Taronga Institute of Science & Learning at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. The first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Taronga Institute will form a gateway for students to access the wider Zoo campus and provide authentic, interactive learning opportunities in an environment of working science.
You will graduate with advanced research skills in biology and wildlife conservation, a highly developed sense of curiosity and self-direction, and the capability and confidence to work across cultural boundaries enhanced via international mobility opportunities. You will be able to lead behavioural change in the community for sustaining our planet’s biodiversity.
For your second major you may select your subjects from those offered by our academic schools:
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
You are required to complete a Taronga Wildlife Conservation program including a major in Wildlife Conservation. You are also required to choose a second major either from the faculty options or from our shared pool of majors.
Honours subject areas: Only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the honours pathway. Minimum WAM and additional entry requirements apply.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place. Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Life & Evolution | Animals & Us | Intro to Statistical Methods |
Major 2 |
| 2 | From Molecules to Ecosystems | Elective | Open Learning Environment units |
Major 2 | |
| 2 | 1 | AppliedStatistical Methods | Elective | Open Learning Environment units | Major 2 |
| 2 | Biology Experimental Design & Analysis | Ecology & Conservation | Australian Wildlife Biology |
Major 2 |
|
| 3 | 1 | Project Unit | Wildlife Conservation | Elective | Major 2 |
| 2 | Project Unit | Ecology | Elective | Major 2 | |
| 4 | 1 | Wildlife Management | Honours/Advanced coursework | Honours/Advanced coursework | Major 2 |
| 2 | Wildlife Health and Welfare | Honours/Advanced coursework | Honours/Advanced coursework | Major 2 | |
Until 2023: Mathematics Advanced or higher, Chemistry; other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen. Biology is recommended.
From 2023: Mathematics Advanced or higher, Biology; other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Mathematics Advanced (Band 4) or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3). For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
If you have a high ATAR you may be invited to join our Dalyell Scholars program.
We’ve reimagined the Sydney Undergraduate Experience – the way we teach and the way you’ll learn – to prepare you for a future full of possibilities.
