Master of Science in Wildlife Health and Population Management
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Master of Science in Wildlife Health and Population Management provides a professional qualification to biologists and veterinarians working in private practice, industry, research and education.
The course brings together the disciplines of animal health and wildlife population management, developing and enhancing skills in conservation techniques for native fauna, diagnosis and management of wildlife health, and management of native and pest species populations.
Emphasis is placed on using scientific methodology in all aspects of wildlife investigations, including fieldwork undertaken at the University's 7800 hectare property Arthursleigh, located near Marulan in New South Wales.
Visit the Sydney Wildlife Health and Population Management Program website for more information.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
View a sample study plan/course structure table.
Full units of study list
- RESP5001 - Integrated Environmental Practice
- WILD5001 - Australasian Wildlife: Introduction
- WILD5002 - Australasian Wildlife: Field Studies
- WILD5003 - Wildlife Health
- WILD5004 - Vertebrate Pest Management
- WILD5005 - In Situ Wildlife Management
- WILD5006 - Ex Situ Wildlife Management
- WILD5009 - Research Project
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
Students follow the study pattern of the core units of study and electives as required. You may undertake the course on a full- time or part-time basis, according to your choice. You will complete 48 credit points (cp) of study comprising: 12cp of core units of study and 36cp of elective units of study. Full time study is normally undertaken over two semesters. A sample study plan for a full time student might comprise two core units and two elective units in your first semester, and the remainder of your elective units in your second semester. Your individual study plan will of course depend on the availability of units in a given semester. Subject to the availability of supervision and suitable projects, candidates with a credit average in 24cp of study from the degree may be admitted to the research pathway. Contact the course coordinator for details about the research pathway of this course.
View a timetable to find out when particular units of study are held.
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the research project unit of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
Capstone experience
A capstone experience comprises one or more units of study designed to provide an opportunity to draw together the learning that has taken place during the course, synthesise this with prior learning and experience, and draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.
A research pathway capstone experience in the award comprises core studies and research undertaken in WILD5009 (12 credit points) (cp). Eligible candidates who have previously satisfactorily completed 24 cp of coursework units of study undertake a research topic focussing on wildlife health and/or population management. This research experience is highly valued by prospective employers as it shows a willingness and ability to undertake guided but independent research.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
Master of Science in Wildlife Health and Population Management graduates will discover opportunities for employment in government and nongovernment conservation agencies, or any other agency with natural resource management responsibilities. Other potential employment opportunities include curatorial positions in zoos and wildlife parks, in game farming enterprises, in ecotourism operations and in environmental consultancies.
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Wildlife Health and Population Management requires:
(a) a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, with a credit average, from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(b) a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or (c) completion of the embedded graduate diploma in this stream, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University by using the online application form, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent). Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.