Master of Wildlife Conservation (MWLC)

Regulations for the Degree of Master of Wildlife Conservation (MWLC)

1. Admission to the Programme

   1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), on the advice of the Head of Department of Zoology and the Director of the Wildlife Conservation programme.
   2. Every applicant must have been awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology, Biology, or Ecology, with an average grade of at least B, or have an alternative qualification or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
      
      
      Note: This is a limited entry programme as per clause 10 of the Admission to University Statute 2011 and selection criteria apply. The main criteria for selection of students to this programme shall be academic merit and suitability for the programme.

2. Structure of the Programme

   1. The programme of study shall consist of papers worth a total of 180 points, normally comprising WILD 401, WILD 402, and WILD 501, plus papers worth at least 100 points from WILD and ZOOL papers, and other 400-level papers. Every programme of study must include WILD 404, (or equivalent) if ZOOL 316, has not been passed previously, and must include WILD 406, if 300-level course work in Conservation Biology has not been taken previously.
   2. A candidate may be exempted from some of the required papers as prescribed in regulation 2(a) on the basis of previous study. A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation shall be exempted from those papers in the programme for the degree that have previously been passed for the diploma.

3. Duration of the Programme

   1. A candidate shall follow a programme of study for not less than three semesters.
   2. A candidate shall satisfy the requirements for the degree within six semesters of admission to the programme.

4. Withdrawal from the Programme

   Where a candidate withdraws from the programme, whether voluntarily or otherwise, after completing some of the prescribed papers, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may recommend award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation or determine which papers shall be credited towards the Diploma.

5. Examination of Research Report

   1. The research report (WILD 501) shall be assessed by at least two examiners.
   2. The candidate's placement supervisor shall not be an examiner.
   3. Each examiner shall recommend a grade.

6. Level of Award of the Degree

   The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

7. Variations

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study that does not comply with these regulations.