Starting in Semester One 2025, the Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga) and Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga) (Honours) offers students experiential learning on wildlife preservation, blending academic study with real-world scenarios.
The new degrees are co-delivered by the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science and Taronga Conservation Society Australia. They are designed to give students in-depth knowledge and practical skills in wildlife conservation through fieldwork and research opportunities with a variety of species and populations.
Students enrolled in the degrees will engage in a diverse range of conservation projects, culminating in a week-long experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in their third year. This includes participation in programs such as the Greater Bilby breed-for-release initiative, where students explore bilby habitats, track their movements and conduct other wildlife conservation surveys.
These specialist degrees will produce graduates who are not only highly skilled but are also culturally sensitive wildlife advocates.
Professor Marcel Dinger
Dean of Science at the University of Sydney
“These specialist degrees will produce graduates who are not only highly skilled but are also culturally sensitive wildlife advocates.”Professor Marcel Dinger
Dean of Science at the University of Sydney
Professor Marcel Dinger, Dean of Science at the University of Sydney, said the new program continued the successful partnership between the University of Sydney and Taronga, offering students an unmatched learning experience in the field of wildlife conservation.
“I’m thrilled the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney, in partnership with the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia, has collaborated to offer this degree, which represents a significant educational alliance between two of Australia’s most iconic, respected and impactful institutions, and a commitment to train the next generation of passionate conservationists.
“These specialist degrees will produce graduates who are not only highly skilled but are also culturally sensitive wildlife advocates – and respond to the holistic approach needed in today's conservation efforts, particularly with the biodiversity challenges facing Australia and beyond.
“I’m really pleased our new degrees will foster a brighter future, where students are empowered to support a thriving natural world for generations to come,” Professor Dinger said.
Students will benefit from teaching by renowned researchers and practitioners from both institutions, gaining exposure to the latest developments in wildlife conservation. The program also offers students access to the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, which features immersive classrooms and access to wildlife conservation professionals.
“Taronga staff are delighted to be extending our educational alliance with colleagues at the University of Sydney through our new degree,” said Taronga Chief Executive Cameron Kerr.
“This powerful partnership will position our organisations at the forefront of global wildlife conservation. We are very excited to be welcoming the new student cohort to Taronga in 2025.”
In addition to learning about wildlife conservation, students will have the opportunity to choose from five additional majors, allowing them to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. The new degree is designed to bridge the gap between academia and real-world experience, equipping students with job-ready skills and preparing them for careers in the fast-growing wildlife conservation sector. Prospective students can learn more about the new Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation degree at the University of Sydney’s Info Day on 18 December.
