Wildlife study abroad in the United Kingdom

Who am I?

My name is Vasilis Fiotakis, I am a forestry graduate with special knowledge on wildlife ecology. I have participated in wildlife protection awareness activities for a local NGO (Arcturos) and worked voluntarily over 200 hours in Attica Zoo Park. Moreover, I’ve joined Greek Public Forest Service in scheduled patrols for stopping illegal wild bird distribution and preventing wildfires. Also, I have fulfilled my military service as a Marine (Special Forces).

What I want?

My passion is to be a Wildlife Conservation Expert! In order to do that, I have to get a master's degree in a wildlife program. Protecting fauna is a life purpose. Endangered species conservation, smuggling prevention and wildlife poaching termination are some of my goals.

Why study in the United Kingdom?

Here in Greece, there isn’t such a specialized MSc program. At the same time United Kingdom has a variety in wildlife master degrees! I’ve searched on many other countries but didn’t find something so attractive. Furthermore, there I have the opportunity to improve and develop myself and my skills through work.

What’s the cost of a Master degree?

MSc degrees and life in the UK are expensive. Tuition fees for postgraduate courses vary across different universities and subjects. On my case I could give you some examples of MSc program I would love to attend:

MSc in Conservation and International Wildlife Trade (University of Kent): £12,620

MSc Wildlife Management and Conservation (University of Reading):£9,000

MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation (Edinburgh Napier University): £6,084

Of course there are student loans but it’s a risk I can’t take. Imagine being forever in debt? However, I am still trying to find a scholarship which is part of the plan for paying for college, but not the entire plan. Also, fees are likely to increase in future years as they say! Better not talk about the cost of living in UK.

Thank you so much for your time!

“A conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke [of the axe] he is writing his signature on the face of the land.” – Aldo Leopold

Yours faithfully,

Vasilis Fiotakis