Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement)

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation programme at the University of Cumbria is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges facing society and global ecosystems.

Course Overview

Climate change and biodiversity loss are increasingly affecting life on Earth and the health and wellbeing of ecosystems and people. The programme will support students to develop the knowledge, understanding, practical experience, digital and transferable skills needed for a successful career in the rapidly growing environmental industry and other areas of graduate employment.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Ambleside
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• UCAS Code: D511
• Delivery Style: In Person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Study Options: BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, Integrated Foundation Year, Integrated Foundation Year and Sandwich Placement
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Minimum Entry Requirements

• 104-120 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4/C or above

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (Year)
• £14,900 - International (Year)
• Placement Year fee: Home £1,905, Overseas £2,980

Qualifications

• A-levels: BBC - BBB to include 32 points in Biology, Conservation, Environmental Science or Geography
• T-levels: M – T Level Science is accepted for entry to this course
• Access to HE: 21 credits at Distinction, 24 at Merit – Science based
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B - Science based
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: DMM - to include Biology, Conservation, Environmental Science, Geography or Animal Management
• Scottish Highers: BBBB-AABB to include Biology
• Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 to include Biology, Conservation, Environmental Science or Geography

Fair Admissions

The University of Cumbria uses contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for commitment to Ecology and Wildlife Conservation.

Contextual Admissions

We take into account the context in which you have achieved your qualifications and experience.

Returning to Education

If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (Year)
• £14,900 - International (Year)
• Placement Year fee: Home £1,905, Overseas £2,980

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us.

Additional Costs

There may be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

Course Structure

What you will learn

You will develop professional competencies in conservation science including species identification, ecological survey skills, environmental assessment and ecosystem restoration and management in the UK and overseas.

Year one

• The Tree of Life
• Skills for Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
• Key Concepts in Conservation Science
• Essentials in Ecology
• Form and Function
• Earth Systems

Year two

• Research Design and Data Analysis
• Ecological Census Techniques
• Genetics and Evolution
• Geographical Information Systems
• Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Behaviour and Ecology (optional)
• Marine and Freshwater Ecology (optional)

Year three

• Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Placement

Year four

• Dissertation
• Ecosystem Management
• Environmental Philosophy, Policy and Practice
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation
• Behavioural Research in Conservation
• Marine and Freshwater Conservation

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Our approach to learning and teaching recognises each student as an individual.

How you will be assessed

Our assessment strategy has been developed to be in line with the University’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy and the Curriculum Design Framework.

Career Outcomes

Jobs that relate directly to an Ecology and Wildlife Conservation degree include:

• Academic (conservation professional)
• Animal handler
• Biodiversity consultant
• Climate scientist
• Conservation adviser/partnership coordinator
• Countryside ranger
• Ecological consultant
• Ecology and monitoring officer
• Ecosystem restoration officer
• Environmental assessor
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental educator
• Field technician
• GIS technician
• Government adviser
• Habitat restoration manager
• Hydrologist
• Marine biologist
• Pollution manager
• Project officer with NGOs such as Wildlife Trusts, WWF, RSPB, etc.
• Public engagement officer
• Research assistant
• Scientific researcher (MSc, PhD and postdoctoral)
• Water resource manager
• Wildlife reserve manager
• Zookeeper

Jobs where an Ecology & Wildlife Conservation degree can be a useful route of entry include:

• Blue-green entrepreneur
• Environmental writer/journalist
• Renewable technologist
• Research scientist
• Sustainability adviser
• Teacher

Typical employers could include:

• Campaigning organisations (Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Marine Conservation Society, WWF)
• National Conservation NGOs (British Ecological Society, The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, The Rivers Trust, RSPB, Mammal Society, BugLife)
• Government agencies (Natural England, Nature Scot, Forestry Commission, JNCC, MMO, Environment Agency, Office for Environmental Protection, local councils, national parks)
• International conservation organisations (IUCN, FAO, WWF, Plantlife International)
• Private conservation organisations and charities