Ecology University of Pretoria

Overview

In addition to modules dealing with animals, students take a number of modules on plant diversity and ecology in the third year. Postgraduate study in zoology or entomology opens more doors for employment and makes it possible for students to pursue further studies in animal biology and management. Entomologists collaborate closely with agriculturalists, economists, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, plant scientists and veterinarians, among others, to document, understand, conserve and manage animal life. An honours degree is the minimum requirement for accreditation as a practising natural scientist and for working as an environmental consultant in South Africa. The Department offers honours, master’s and PhD degree programmes in Zoology and Entomology.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Ecology program from University of Pretoria can look forward to a range of exciting career prospects. They could be employed at nature conservancies, environmental consultancies and conservation planning agencies, medical and veterinary research institutions, in the biochemical and biotechnology industries, at educational institutions, in IT-related fields and in the corporate sector. 

Career opportunities include all the activities potentially involved in modern research, development and training, and natural resources policy formulation. These usually include a stimulating combination of analytical work, laboratory or fieldwork, and human resources management. 

Graduates find work in environmentally-based statutory and private conservation organisations, organisations involved in the direct or indirect use of natural resources, environmental consultancies, environmental education initiatives and academic and training institutions.