Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga) Majoring in Biology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Sydney is perfect for students passionate about protecting animals and their habitats. Across this program, you’ll explore ecology, wildlife management, and conservation science while gaining hands-on experience directly at Taronga Zoo, turning your love for animals into real-world conservation skills.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin with foundational studies, getting to grips with Animal Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Science. Early practical sessions at Taronga Zoo immerse you in observing animal behavior and understanding habitat needs, giving you a firsthand feel for wildlife conservation in action.

Year 2: Your studies deepen into Conservation Ecology, Wildlife Health, and Conservation Management. Through fieldwork and lab sessions, you’ll develop skills in monitoring animal populations and assessing environmental impacts, all while engaging in collaborative projects that reflect real conservation challenges.

Year 3: This year is all about applied conservation. Units like Wildlife Conservation Policy, Advanced Wildlife Management, and Research Project let you design and implement conservation strategies, culminating in hands-on projects at Taronga Zoo that directly contribute to ongoing wildlife initiatives.

Focus Areas:
Wildlife biology, ecology, habitat management, conservation strategies.

Learning Outcomes:
Develop practical skills in wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and evidence-based conservation.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program is aligned with professional conservation standards, ensuring you graduate ready for careers in wildlife and environmental management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Sydney is consistently ranked among the top universities globally by QS and Times Higher Education, making your degree recognized and respected by employers around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re drawn to wildlife and conservation, this degree is designed to let you learn by doing — not just sitting in lectures. From day one, you’ll dive into real-world conservation work, working alongside experts from both the University of Sydney and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Taronga’s Zoo and its Institute of Science & Learning become your living classroom, where science, field observation, and hands-on conservation practice come together in ways that really matter. Over the course of your degree, you’ll gain practical skills in fieldwork, habitat assessment, animal health, and ecological monitoring — experiences that truly prepare you for a career in conservation.

Here’s a taste of what your learning journey will look like:

Immersive learning at the Taronga Institute of Science & Learning — study in labs and habitat-themed spaces where conservation science comes to life alongside live exhibits and cutting-edge research.
Hands-on fieldwork — put theory into practice with real conservation challenges and ecological data collection.
Learning across multiple locations — classes and practical experiences happen both at University of Sydney campuses and at Taronga Zoo, placing you right where conservation is happening.
“Living laboratory” engagement — study animal behavior, welfare, and ecosystem dynamics up close in zoo environments and field sites.
Capstone and advanced units — focus on wildlife management, health, and the human side of conservation to turn your knowledge into practical solutions.
Field site experiences — build essential skills in different conservation habitats, including programs at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

If you’re passionate about working with wildlife and biodiversity in a hands-on, meaningful way, this degree gives you exactly the experiences that field scientists and employers value most.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program leave ready to make a real difference in wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Many go on to careers as wildlife conservationists, ecologists, environmental policy officers, or animal health and welfare specialists. Others find rewarding roles in research, environmental consulting, government agencies, or NGOs focused on biodiversity and sustainability. The hands‑on skills and scientific knowledge you gain here make you highly employable in a field where practical experience and real conservation expertise truly matter.

Here’s what this means for you:

Real‑world experience & industry connection — You won’t just be learning in lecture halls. You’ll work alongside professionals from the University of Sydney and the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia, gaining immersive experience at the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning and on field placements that mirror actual conservation work.

Employability support — The University’s Careers Centre, internships, and industry projects are there to help you develop workplace skills, polish your applications, and explore roles in conservation and related science fields even before you graduate.

Industry partnership that matters — This degree is delivered in partnership with the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, one of the country’s leading conservation organisations. Your learning, networking, and placements are directly linked to a major employer that’s active in research, species recovery, and environmental stewardship.

Tailored scientific foundations — You’ll go beyond theory to develop practical abilities in ecology, animal biology, and conservation management. Capstone projects and fieldwork help you gain the real-world skills employers look for.

Further academic progression — After your bachelor’s degree, you have several paths to continue your studies. You could take an Honours year at the University of Sydney, completing an independent research project under expert supervision—a great option if you’re thinking about a research-focused career. Many students also go on to pursue master’s degrees or PhDs in ecology, wildlife management, conservation science, or related fields. This advanced study can open doors to higher-level research roles, leadership positions in consultancy, or influential roles in policy and environmental management.