Countryside, conservation and wildlife degree courses
Do you see yourself pursuing a career as an ecological consultant, a field ecologist, a bio-diversity officer, or perhaps a wildlife reserve or country park manager?
FdSc British Wildlife Conservation
The effective conservation of species, ecosystems and natural resources is vital for future sustainable development, and the need for conservation professionals is ever increasing. On this course you will gain the academic knowledge, applied ecological theory and extensive hands-on field experience needed to manage habitats and conserve wildlife.
Course Overview
You will also enrich your knowledge by exploring wider topics such as rewilding, environmental issues, agri-environment schemes, and the work of conservation organisations. With this combination of academic knowledge, practical skills and work experience, it’s no wonder that our graduates have gone on to work for prestigious organisations such as The Wildlife Trust, The National Trust and The Forestry Commission.
Work placement
You will complete a 30-day work placement usually during the summer between your first and second year. This will give you essential skills and experience of wildlife and environmental management activities within the sector. There are numerous field visits to conservation sites and organisations. Previous destinations include Knepp Estate, Rhossili Bay, Royal Botanic Garden, Kew and many more.
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points: 56
- A Level: CD (minimum one A2 Level pass)
- BTEC: MPP
- GCSE: English and Mathematics Grade C are required (Grade 4 for new GCSEs)
- 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
Teaching
Benefit from a course designed in partnership with Cirencester College, utilising the expertise and resources of both institutions; including use of the Cirencester College Animal Centre with more than 80 species.
You will also gain practical rural skills training through our Rural Innovation Centre at Harnhill Manor Farm with the cost included in the tuition fee.
Right from your first year, you will gain grounding in work-related situations as well as academic study before developing a deeper understanding of the key issues in your second year. You will be assessed through field reports, research projects, examinations, case studies, portfolios, presentations and practical skills.
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.
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). Any costs associated with work placements will be the student's responsibility
- Re-sit examination fees or coursework re-submissions are £5 per credit (for a typical 15 credit module, this will total £75).
2019-20 Applicants
For the academic year 2019-20 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | EU | International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 per year | £9,250 per year | £10,000 per year |
For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.
Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan 2019/20.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.
Careers
Prospects
Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with nationally-recognised organisations and in roles such as:
- Countryside ranger
- Wildlife reserve manager
- Ecological surveyor
- Conservation / biodiversity officer
- Farming and wildlife advisor
- Environmental education officer
93%* of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after leaving the RAU.
*2016/17 UK-based leavers studying a first degree, full time. Source: HESA
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.
