Coral
Chell

“I completed my undergraduate degree at NTU in BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, meaning I was very familiar with the university, campus and lecturers, and fell in love with it. I had heard of the course while completing my undergraduate degree and knew a few students who had, or were, currently completing it and had only positive things to say about the course itself, its modules and teaching. The course covered everything I wanted to do and learn while allowing me to remain living in a familiar area, it suited me perfectly.

“The course is very much what it says on the tin! Learning the key and up to date techniques used in endangered species recovery and conservation. The course is a mixture of taught and practical sessions.

“Taught sessions are delivered in a variety of ways through lectures and seminars, as well as Skype sessions from guest speakers from international organisations. Practical sessions are a mixture of both field and lab skills, which are transferable to future jobs and careers. All lecturers on the teaching staff are incredibly knowledge in their chosen field and have countless examples from their own in-field experiences.

“One of the most enjoyable parts of the course has been the week-long trip to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey. A great week away learning and gaining information from those in the field, as well as getting an opportunity to network and gain new contacts.

“I don’t think there has been any module throughout the course I haven’t enjoyed, even statistics! The teaching staff really do make all modules enjoyable and interesting.

“There are a lot of opportunities to carry out the research project both UK based and internationally, which is an amazing opportunity to use the skills you learn in the ‘real world’. For example, I’m travelling to Madagascar to study lemurs for my research project.

“All the course tutors are supportive and will go above and beyond to help where they can. All members of the teaching team are very knowledgeable in their chosen specialist, and have a vast amount of information to share from past jobs or experiences. Also they know exactly what it’s like to study at postgraduate level so can relate to how challenging it can be at times!

“Having a postgraduate degree sets you apart from other individuals in your field. I wanted to progress further in my field of interest and my future career, so studying at postgraduate level was the next logical step.

“Being a student a Brackenhurst is an amazing experience for you both personally and academically, the campus feels like a little village of its own and has a real homely feel. Also because of the size of the campus and the fact it is a working farm allows for countless opportunities to transfer skills learnt in lectures to the field.

“My aim for the next few years is to continue getting research and conservation experience in the field, to transfer all the skills I have learnt from the past year to the field and contribute to some real world conservation! The eventual aim obviously is to get a job in my field of interest.”