Courses_
Studying wildlife conservation at Sydney
Overview
This unique degree will develop your expertise in wildlife conservation. If you dream of making an impact in the conservation sector, to secure a shared future for wildlife and people, 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.
The Taronga Wildlife Conservation stream comprises a Wildlife Conservation major that combines biology and conservation management with additional prescribed units of study in statistics and animal sciences. It provides extensive training in wildlife conservation by incorporating the study of biodiversity and evolution, animal science, and animal behaviour and management.
Classes will take place at the University’s Camperdown and Camden campuses and at the new Taronga Institute of Science & Learning at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. 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 intercultural skills enhanced via 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:
- School of Chemistry
- School of Geosciences (including Geography and Geology and Geophysics)
- School of History and Philosophy of Science
- School of Life and Environmental Science (including Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Ecology, Environment, Food Science and Plant Science)
- School of Mathematics and Statistics (including Data Science)
- School of Physics
- School of Psychology
- School of Veterinary Science
Subject areas
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.
Shared pool
Admission, fees and how to apply
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
My qualification is
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
Your fee
How to apply
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.
Starting date
Semester 1 (March) 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.
Standard closing dates:
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 30 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
Starting date
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
What you'll study
The Taronga Wildlife Conservation stream also includes prescribed units of study in mathematics and animal sciences. It will provide students with extensive training in wildlife conservation by incorporating the study of biodiversity and evolution, animal science, and animal behaviour and management.
Sample study plan
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 | |
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics or HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Biology.
Admission criteria
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
- a secondary education qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), or approved higher education study, including approved preparation courses.
- English language requirements where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English.
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.
Prerequisites
This course has a mathematics course prerequisite. For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
Credit for previous study
If you've already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
Course opportunities
If you have a high ATAR you may be invited to join our Dalyell Scholars program.
Career Pathways
- Wildlife conservation
- Sustainability
- Environmental consultancy
- Animal health and reproduction
- Government and policy
- NGOs
- Business and analytics
- Genetics
- Teaching (with further training)
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.
Domestic students
International students
