UCAS Entry Points
A minimum of 112 UCAS points
Start Date
September 2021
September 2022
Course Length
Full-time: 3 years
Work in the field will reinforce and expand your knowledge on conservation, ecology and wildlife, both in the UK and overseas, and there is an opportunity for project work in the final two years to include ecological field work. This allows students to work with lecturing staff on relevant and 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 field work 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 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 at 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.
Modules include:
Level 4
- Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
- Ecological Survey and Census Skills
- Conservation of British Habitats
- Scientific Data Collection & Analysis
- Evolution & Adaptation
- Wildlife Ecology
Level 5
Level 6
Optional Modules
Teaching and Learning
Assessment and Feedback
Timetable Information
Placement Information
*Travel arrangements at your own cost.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of 112 tariff points from A & AS levels to include A-level Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Science or Applied Science
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) –A minimum of grade DMM in Applied Science or Animal Care/Management
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – A minimum grade D*D* in Applied Science or Animal Care/Management
- City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Advanced Extended Diploma (1080 – first awarded in 2019) – a minimum of grade DMM in Applied Science or Animal Care/Management
- City& Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720 – first awarded in 2019) – a minimum of grade D*D* in Applied Science or Animal Care/Management
- Access to HE – a minimum of 112 tariff points
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – 26 points, including 5 in HL Biology or HL Chemistry
- Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to HE course
Further study
- MSc Wildlife Conservation or other postgraduate study or professional qualifications.
Career Options
- Native species management
- Wildlife management
- Conservation
- Wildlife trusts
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Wildlife research.
Useful Information
How much will this course cost?
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, can be found on the student finance page. 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.
Additional Costs
Additional costs may include the purchase of suitable outdoor wear for practical activities, including walking boots, wellington boots, waterproof/windproof coat, waterproof trousers. Additionally, students may wish to purchase a pair of binoculars to assist them with species identification whilst undertaking practicals. A full suggested kit list is available upon request.
Students will be offered the chance to engage in both domestic and overseas learning opportunities with which to enhance their classroom-based learning experience. Here, students will have the option to undertake overseas study for academic credit in year 2 of the programme, or simply participate for experiential purposes. These may include opportunities to study zoological collections in Europe, but also undertaking conservation field courses within locations such as Southern Africa, South America and the UK.
The main emphasis placed on these field courses is the development of professional, industry relevant skills and the application of students’ knowledge in a novel, stimulating, yet challenging environment. Costs associated with the field courses range from £500 – £1200 (UK), and between £2,200 – £3,000 (South America & Southern Africa). Please note that precise pricing of all field courses is subject to change, pending availability and recruitment.
Equipment Costs
- Boiler suit: £20-£30 OR UCR Polo shirt (£12)/UCR Sweatshirt (£16) + work trousers (£15-£20)
- Steel toe capped boots: from £30
- Lab coat: £13-£20
- USB drive: from £5
Prices of equipment are subject to change dependent on retailer.
Additional financial support
Accommodation
Student support
How do I apply?
Student contract
Despite the hard work needed to complete my degree, it was some of the best years of my life.
Katie Adams BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology
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