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BSc (Hons) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management [Top Up]

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Subject

Environmental Conservation

Level

Bachelors Degree (Level 6)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

Start Date

September 2025

The course

Are you looking to further enhance your career prospects in the wildlife, ecology and conservation sector? This programme enables you to progress from the FdSc, or another relevant Level 5 qualification, to a full BSc Honours Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management.

You will enhance your employability further as you develop knowledge, understanding and skills to the greater depth and level of expertise employers in the sector are looking for. Areas covered include conservation planning at a landscape scale, understanding global biodiversity crises and solutions, managing interactions between people and species and habitats, and managing conservation projects. You will also have the opportunity to specialise through your final project on a relevant topic of your choice. There is a strong emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations using the excellent range of habitats both on the Bishop Burton estate and in the local area.

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Course Information

  • Develop and apply your skills in organism identification, assessment and management of ecosystems, habitats and species.
  • Develop your abilities in managing human/wildlife interactions and planning public engagement.
  • Provide you with the applied project and business management skills wanted by employers in the sector, including problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork.
  • Develop your critical understanding of the conservation sector in the UK and abroad.
  • Develop and apply your research and digital skills to investigate biodiversity topics and offer solutions to issues.
  • International Conservation Biology
  • Management of People and Wildlife
  • Landscape Ecology and Conservation
  • Management and Business in Conservation
  • Final Project

You should have a relevant Level 5 qualification and an appropriate academic reference.

Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

If your first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE English at grade C/4 or equivalent is not held, you will need to evidence your English language proficiency level, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill).

This programme is delivered using a variety of teaching and learning approaches. This includes giving you hands-on experiential opportunities in both your academic and professional development. Sessions which deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge feature a strong emphasis on active learning within lectures, seminars, workshops, field work, site visits, case studies, independent learning, formative assessment and guest speaker sessions.

All teaching is focused on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance independent learning and your ability to make decisions, problem-solve and manage projects all skills required in the conservation and ecology sector. The programme utilises excellent onsite resources, offsite visits and extensive industry links for applied aspects essential for your employability skills.

A typical week on the full-time pathway includes approximately 10 hours a week contact time, incorporating lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. This may vary from week to week depending on field trips and other programme-related activities. You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of private study in addition to contact time (25-30 hours a week).

A typical week on the part-time pathway includes approximately 5 hours a week contact time, incorporating lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. This may vary from week to week depending on field trips and other programme-related activities. You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of private study in addition to contact time (approximately 15-20 hours a week).

You can expect to receive your timetable during induction week.

Assessments are designed to build sector-relevant skills and understanding. They include site surveys; project feasibility and planning studies; written assignments; business development planning. You will also undertake a final research project. There are no formal examinations. Opportunities for feedback on assessments are available prior to the final submission to support your development and achievement. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 20-working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.
  • Hardwearing outdoor clothing appropriate for a range of weather conditions including waterproofs, warm layers and sun protection.
  • Appropriate footwear including wellington boots and walking boots.
  • Binoculars and hand lens.
  • Rucksack for trips and visits.
  • Stationery for use in class and to organise your work and assignments.
  • A laptop with internet connectivity, capable of running GIS software, is strongly recommended.
  • There may be additional costs for educational visits/trips and enrichment activities.
  • On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost.
You may wish to continue your studies by progressing to a related post-graduate programme.
Exciting, fulfilling careers in habitat creation, management and restoration, species conservation, public engagement, ecology and more are available with a range of employers. These include conservation non-government organisations (NGOs), such as the Wildlife Trusts and RSPB, in the UK and abroad; ecological consultancies; conservation contractors; public bodies such as local authorities, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and NatureScot, plus many more.

Validated by University of Hull

We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.

This includes transforming our programmes to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of the sector, giving you the best opportunities for success when you graduate by having a competence-based focus. Find out more about competence-based higher education.

View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.

Financial Information

Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.

Careers this course could lead into

Experience our campus for yourself

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Upcoming Event

University Centre (Post-18) Open Event

Saturday, 18 January 2025 - 10:00 - 13:00

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