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.
Perspectives
Jack HawntThis course combined a practical hands-on conservation approach with supporting academic theory, which help to build a good foundation for my career.
, Graduate
Overview
Climate change, population demands and economic pressures are just some of the hazards faced by the multiple wildlife habitats for which the UK is renowned. Effective wildlife conservation has never been more critical.
If you have a passion for the environment and want to transfer your enthusiasm into a career in ecology, wildlife management, environmental education or any of the other sought-after roles in the field, this specialist wildlife conservation course is for you. You will gain a core understanding of habitat conservation, biodiversity and wildlife management, through academic study and industry experience, placing you at a clear advantage in the job market.
This course has been designed with our partners at Cirencester College, drawing on a wealth of expertise and resources, including use of their animal centre, home to more than 80 species. It is the ideal stepping stone to higher level study in wildlife and environmental conservation, giving you the chance to progress onto a BSc Honours course and take further advantage of the RAU’s academic excellence and industry network.
Work placement
By the time you complete this course, you will have a rich portfolio of your learning experience, thanks in part to a period of compulsory conservation-based work experience during the summer vacation between your first and second year – an opportunity that has served our former graduates well as they continue into the world of conservation work.
Structure
Real-world experience is paramount in conservation and wildlife management, which is why practical and academic studies are given equal emphasis. 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 is included in the tuition fees.
You will be assessed through 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.
Timetables
Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.
Modules
Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 240 credits for the foundation degree as a whole. The overall grade for your foundation degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 4 and level 5 (weighted 30:70) accordingly.
Typical modules study on this course are:
Year one
- 1134 Field Ecology
- 1136 Practical Conservation Skills
- 1222 Wildlife Conservation: Principles and Practice
- 1257 Species and Environment
- 1303 Introducing Environmental Conservation and Heritage
- 1305 Wildlife Handling, Protection and Survey
Year two
- 2134 Supervisory and Mentoring Skills
- 2136 Landscape Conservation
- 2137 Wildlife Habitat Management
- 2138 Amenity, Access and Education
- 2302 Conservation Ecology
- 2303 Conservation Research Skills
All the module sheets can be found here.
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- A Level: CD – min.56 UCAS Tariff points (to include at least one A Level pass.)
- BTEC: MPP
- GCSE: (Minimum five GCSEs) - English and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) at Grade C / 4 or higher are required.
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points.
- Access to HE: 45 credits at level 3, of which 15 must be awarded at Merit or higher. (Pass at Literacy & Numeracy skills at level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)
Further information
Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.
Read more general information about our entry requirements.
For any further help, please contact our admissions team:
- E-mail: admissions@rau.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912
Fees
Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not repeat or trailing 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 student's responsibility.
2018-19 Applicants
For the academic year 2018-19 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 per year | £10,000 per year |
| Part-time | £4,625 per year (Duration of course 4 years) | £5,000 per year (Duration of course 4 years) |
Part-time fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
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).
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
2019-20 Applicants
For the academic year 2019-20 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 per year | £10,000 per year |
| Part-time | £4,625 per year (Duration of course 4 years) | £5,000 per year (Duration of course 4 years) |
The tuition fees quoted for 2019/20 applicants may rise in line with inflation, subject to government policy.
Part-time fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
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).
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
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
On average over the past five years, 96% of our graduates have gone on to enter employment or further study within six months, 70% in graduate or professional positions.
Greg Kerr, FdSc British Wildlife Conservation graduate, 2016 - “The greatest benefit of the British Wildlife Conservation course was the opportunity to undertake a wide range of practical skills training at the Rural Innovation Centre. This gave me a distinct advantage when applying for jobs, as it demonstrated to employers that I have practical as well as theoretical knowledge. The field trips and guest lecturers bolstered my understanding of landscape and wildlife conservation. I am not a Land-based Student Support Technician and Instructor, which allows me to pass on my knowledge and expertise to the Countryside Management students that I mentor.”
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.
