FdSc
British Wildlife Conservation
This course gives you a fundamental understanding of the key concepts and principles in British habitat conservation and wildlife management, in line with the ecosystem approach.
Overview
This degree combines academic theory with practical and work-based experience, and ensures you are fully trained in industry standard techniques of research and fieldwork. This approach is invaluable for a career in this sector, placing you at a clear advantage.
You will be trained to recognise the challenges of managing wildlife sites sustainably, in the light of climate change, population demands, economic pressure, and agricultural requirements, and the roles of different regulatory and advisory bodies involved in the protection of these sites. You will gain an in-depth understanding of different ecosystems, and be able to identify their origins and the impact of human interactions on their development, management and maintenance.
Progression opportunities
The course prepares you for higher level study in wildlife and environmental conservation. Upon successful completion of the foundation degree, you will have the opportunity to progress on to an appropriate BSc Honours course, such as BSc (Hons) in Countryside Management at the RAU. Progression opportunities will also be available to appropriate honours conversion courses at other HEIs in the UK.
Structure
The course has been designed with our partners at Cirencester College, utilising the expertise and resources of both institutions, including use of the animal centre with more than 80 species.
Teaching places emphasis on practical and work-related situations in addition to academic study. Once you have successfully completed the first year of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Higher Education before progressing onto the second year, where you will build on the knowledge and expertise gained in the first year and develop a deeper understanding of the key issues covered. You will also visit numerous environmental conservation and wildlife management enterprises.
You will have the opportunity to gain practical rural skills training within the areas of estate maintenance, forestry, machinery, vehicles, pesticides and health and safety, through the Rural Innovation Centre at Harnhill Manor Farm. The cost of the practical training courses are included in the tuition fees.
The course will be assessed through a wide range of techniques, including research projects, examinations, case studies, management plans, portfolio, presentations, and practical skills. You will also be required to supervise and mentor other students on practical conservation activities as part of their training in volunteer management.
Modules
Year one
- Introduction to Environmental Conservation and Heritage Management
- Landscape: Physical and Biological
- Wildlife Conservation: Principles and Practice
- Field Ecology
- Wildlife Handling and Survey
- Practical Conservation Skills
Year two
- Wildlife Habitat Management
- Landscape Conservation
- Wildlife Management
- Amenity, Access and Education
- Personal Wildlife Study
- Supervisory and Mentoring Skills
Course modules are subject to change.
Work experience
You will complete a period of compulsory work experience during the summer holiday between your first and second year, to experience wildlife and environmental management activities within the sector. You will be expected to produce a portfolio of evidence of your learning experience.
Entry requirements
A Level: CD (minimum one A2 Level pass)
BTEC: MPP
GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C) are required.
Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications, including Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate at Higher level, International Baccalaureate, Diploma, AVCE and GNVQ. Overseas qualifications and prior experience are also considered, subject to approval by the course manager and admissions staff.
Fees
Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not repeat or tailing modules, re-sit fees or coursework resubmission) and relevant courses at the RAU Rural Innovation Centre. Any costs associated with work placements will be the students responsibility.
2016 Applicants
UK and EU students
Full-time fees - £9,000
Part-time fees - £4,500 per year (Duration of course 4 years)
International students**
Full-time fees - £10,000
Part-time fees - £5,000 per year (Duration of course 4 years)
2017 Applicants
UK and EU students
Full-time fees - £9,000
Part-time fees - £4,500 per year (Duration of course 4 years)
International students**
Full-time fees - £10,000
Part-time fees - £5,000 per year (Duration of course 4 years)
The tuition fees quoted for 2017 applicants may rise in line with inflation, subject to government policy.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
** Please note: International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Tier 4 Child/General) that
- Allows them to undertake part-time study and
- their visa does not expire prior to the end date of the proposed course of study
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the scholarships, awards and bursaries available, please visit the scholarships webpage.
Prospects
Our graduates have gone on to pursue a range of careers in the following areas:
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation/Biodiversity Officer
- Landscape Ecologist
- Community Wildlife Officer
- Environmental education officer
- Wildlife Park/Animal Keeper
- Field Survey Worker
- Non-governmental organisations – RSPB, RSPCA, wildlife trusts, the National Trust
- Statutory organisations – Environmental Agency, Natural England
Apply now
Applications to study at the Royal Agricultural University must be made through the UCAS system. This applies to all undergraduate courses.
Applications need to be made by the UCAS deadline to ensure we are able to offer you a place on your first choice course.
If you would like to apply during UCAS Extra or Clearing, please check that we have places available.
Applicants wishing to study on a course on a part-time basis will need to apply directly to the RAU.
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk to discuss your requirements and obtain an application form.
