Marwell Wildlife is celebrating a decade of its Master of Research (MRes) in Wildlife Conservation programme, developed in partnership with the University of Southampton.

This innovative course fuses academic learning with practical conservation work, preparing students to tackle pressing environmental issues, such as habitat destruction and climate change.

The only course of its kind in the UK, the MRes programme allows students to work within Marwell’s 140-acre zoo and its estate, as well as engaging in fieldwork both domestically and internationally.

As of 2024, nine new students have joined the course, following in the footsteps of more than 60 alumni who have embarked on careers in research and hands-on conservation worldwide.

Dr Heidi Mitchell, Marwell Wildlife’s head of conservation impact and programme lead, said: "This course is what I’m most proud of delivering, during my 20 years at Marwell. The biggest impact you will ever have as a human being is on another human being.

"At a time when our planet and its natural resources are under such enormous pressure, to be involved with the next generation of conservationists is the biggest privilege of my career."

The MRes programme immerses students in real-world conservation challenges, enabling them to conduct research that informs Marwell's operations.

Projects range from developing strategies for endangered species, like Hartmann’s zebra, to investigating the impacts of climate change on reintroduction programmes.

Students also undertake a Marwell-led field course in Kenya, where they engage with field projects, gather data, and present findings to stakeholders, gaining first-hand experience of Marwell’s conservation initiatives in Africa.

Located at Marwell’s Science and Learning Centre, MRes students are integrated into the charity’s conservation team, benefiting from access to state-of-the-art facilities and advanced field research training.

This distinctive approach to postgraduate conservation education offers hope in combating biodiversity loss.

Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now open.

For more information, prospective students can visit marwell.org.uk/conservation/science/mres.