Primatology is a discipline that has its roots in anatomy, biology, anthropology and psychology. This programme covers a comprehensive range of topics within primatology and combines theoretical investigation with fieldwork and laboratory sessions. It also offers intensive training in research methods and statistics.

You will begin the year by studying an in-depth range of topics in primatology, as well as learning the theory and practice of primatological research. Recent examples of topics covered include social behaviour, cognition, endocrinology, ranging and habitat use, social networks, human-wildlife conflict, morphology and brain size evolution.

After your first semester, the emphasis will be on independent study, where you will be undertaking a substantial piece of original research. You will develop your intellectual, practical and analytical skills to devise a viable project proposal. You will carry out your project and produce a paper suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and a press release to promote your project’s findings. Many of our graduates have subsequently published their work in international journals such as Biology Letters, American Journal of Primatology, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Animal Behaviour and Biological Conservation.