The Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology is aimed at those who wish to develop a career in wildlife conservation and provides a unique combination of academic study with hands-on training and experience in conservation, ecology, and wildlife.
The course includes specialist modules and practical experience where students will gain skills and knowledge in such areas as species identification, live trapping techniques, population management, and strategies by which to effectively conserve species and biodiversity.
Work in the field will expand your knowledge on conservation, ecology, and wildlife, and there is an opportunity for dissertation work in the final year to include ecological fieldwork. This allows students to work with lecturing staff on relevant unique research experiences.
Please note: Students are based at Reaseheath for the duration of this course. For students wishing to live in, you will live in Halls of Residence at Reaseheath College during your first year.
The course features:
- Ready access to a diverse rural green space across the campus, which boasts a convergent mix of habitat and native wildlife species with which to study.
- Opportunities to engage in meaningful conservation project work within the local community.
- Opportunities to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities including Southern Africa, South America, and Europe.
What will I study?
This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career within wildlife conservation, ecology. Students are provided with a unique combination of academic study with practical fieldwork to develop a range of academic and professional skills, with knowledge of wildlife conservation, ecology, and related disciplines. Students will be provided with a dynamic learning experience that combines academic study with practical application of themes in conservation and ecology. As a student studying wildlife conservation & ecology, you will have regular access to the Reaseheath estate, which boasts a range of wildlife species with which to study. Additionally, students can expect an interactive and personable learning experience that draws upon the expertise of our team of dedicated staff, with whom students can engage in the study through the use of our first-class facilities on campus, our community projects, but also via overseas study opportunities.
Students are expected to study and complete 120 credits per year, which comprises six modules of study per academic level/year. All modules in year 1 are mandatory study, to ensure students come away with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to progress onto further study. Conversely, students will have the opportunity to select for certain optional modules in years 2 & 3, to allow for more specific disciplines/subject pathways to be developed.
In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop essential knowledge and skills in wildlife conservation, ecology, evolution, and biodiversity, with an emphasis on practical experience. A heavy emphasis on Level 4 study will also be placed on the development of academic skills via regular tutoring with an assigned course manager.
Year 2 (Level 5) sees a shift in emphasis to more academic and research-informed study, including themes in population management, applied research and species rehabilitation. A two-four week (equivalent) work placement or field course is also included as part of the programme, either within the UK or overseas.
In Year 3 (Level 6), you will continue your studies via more specific pathways that are designed to advance both your academic expertise and professional skills in conservation & ecology. Additionally, students undertaking their final year of study will typically conduct an independent piece of scientific research, to demonstrate competencies in the application of knowledge and research skills.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of 112 UCAS points from GCE A Levels including a grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Science or Applied Science. Typical offer BCC/BBC
- BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science or equivalent): DMM
- BTEC Diploma (Applied Science or equivalent):DD
- OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit profile plus one of the GCE A-level subjects listed above
- Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis.
Further study
- MSc Wildlife Conservation or other postgraduate study or professional qualifications.
Career Options
- Native species management
Tuition Fees
As a Higher Education student you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.
Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students entering University in either 2017/18 or 2018/19 are £9,250. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.
If you are an international student or for the latest information on tuition fees visit the student finance page on our website.