Biological Sciences

Biological sciences with a specialisation in wildlife health science is a degree for students who want to understand not just how animals live and behave but how disease, environmental pressure, and human activity affect their health and survival. Wildlife health science is a growing field that recognises the connections between animal health, ecosystem health, and human health, and that increasingly shapes conservation and wildlife management practice. It draws on veterinary science, ecology, epidemiology, and biology to address the health challenges facing wild animal populations across the globe.

At the Royal Veterinary College in London, this three-year, full-time BSc provides a thorough foundation in the biological sciences alongside specialist training in the aspects of biology required by wild animal professionals. You will study ecology, animal physiology, pathology, epidemiology, conservation biology, and the specific health challenges facing different wildlife species and populations, developing both laboratory skills and field competencies. A sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement are all available, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real wildlife and conservation settings and to gain international experience.

The RVC's position as one of the world's leading veterinary institutions gives the programme exceptional scientific depth and professional credibility. The typical entry tariff of 136 points reflects the strong academic expectations of a leading specialist institution.

Graduates of biological sciences with wildlife health science work in conservation organisations, zoos and wildlife parks, government wildlife and environmental agencies, international wildlife health programmes, research institutions, and NGOs. The combination of biological science depth and wildlife health specialisation is valued in roles such as wildlife health adviser, conservation biologist, epidemiologist, and project officer with organisations working on species recovery and disease management in wild populations. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study or veterinary training to develop specialist clinical expertise in wildlife medicine.