Research Placements - UmPhafa

Research on the reserve

If you are currently enrolled in a relevant degree discipline at any University, it is possible to conduct your dissertation research on the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical fieldwork skills and live and work in a reserve setting, surrounded by wildlife. All the data you collect is valuable in understanding the ecology of the reserve and informing conservation management. UmPhafa has constant work required to rehabilitate the land to its natural condition. Further research data is much needed and your hard work will really make a difference to UmPhafa!


Research Placement Considerations

It is essential all research contributing towards your degree scheme is agreed upon by your academic supervisor and fulfills all requirements of your research module. Your methodology should be written and approved by the reserve coordinator prior to your stay to enable you to begin swiftly and equipment to be organised.

Data collection should take place over a minimum of six weeks. Therefore a two month stay on the reserve is required. This will include an induction week to orientate yourself and learn about the reserve prior to working on your project.

Once you have completed your induction, most data collection work will be conducted independently. The UmPhafa staff can assist you with information and guidance for your project, but you should also maintain contact with your university and provide your academic supervisor with progress reports.


Interested in Research on UmPhafa?

• Download and read the Priority Research List and Research Placement Info Pack by clicking the icons below.

• Contact Wendy@colchesterzoo.org to inform us what research area you would like to pursue and discuss your ideas.

• Discuss your project with your academic supervisor and have your methodology approved.

• Once you have developed a feasible study, download an application form below, and send the completed form to Wendy@colchesterzoo.org


Information Pack


Priority List

Click here to download the Priority Research List


Apply Here

Download our Research Placement application form.

Please send your completed internship application form and an introductory email to:
Wendy@colchesterzoo.org


Testimonial:

3 January – 27 March 2023

Eloise
“Being on UmpHafa has given me many opportunities I would not have had in terms of growing my knowledge and experiences. I will never forget the time I spent here and the memories I have made.”

Anna
“My time on UmPhafa has been an unforgettable experience, activities were varied each week, I learnt a huge amount, enjoyed my time both off and on the Reserve and have made memories I’ll keep for life. To work on a Reserve where the sole purpose is conservation, where Interns and staff are the only people on the Reserve, being able to get up close and have amazing sightings of the different species on the Reserve was the most rewarding part of my experience.”

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