BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Top-Up

Relevant level 5 land-based industry related qualification (e.g. a foundation degree in a wildlife conservation subject with a minimum average grade of 50% at Level 5) is required.

Alternatively, substantial experience and demonstrable ability to study at Level 6 equivalent to 240 credits at Levels 4 and 5. APL arrangements are informed by the University of Cumbria's academic regulations.

Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:

• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .

The programme uses predominantly face to face sessions with online and practical work where appropriate. The learning and teaching methods typically used by tutors include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, practical sessions, practical projects, case studies, and tutorials.

A significant amount of personal study time is expected to be undertaken by you, comprising of, for example, background reading, assignment work, preparation for seminars, and practical case studies. A social learning community, including a peer support programme, will further enhance this.

When not attending scheduled learning activities, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.

The teaching team consists of a range of experienced Higher Education tutors with a strong industry background and an interest in ethical practice and sustainability. All tutors have postgraduate qualifications, which include wildlife conservaton, equine science, psychology, animal behaviour, environmental conservation, and leadership and management.

Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are scheduled throughout the modules. Assessment typically consists of practical and theoretical work and is carefully designed to enhance knowledge and critical thinking, alongside a range of practical and transferable skills. Assessments include presentations, written assignments and project work, with embedded application of technology as appropriate to develop digital skills.

You will have formative assessment opportunities to help you learn and develop your knowledge and skills, as well as summative assessments on which you are graded.

Industry and academic experts are invited in as guest speakers to support delivery throughout the year. In addition to guest speakers, visits are included to enhance theoretical and practical content.

In addition to attending lectures, you will need to spend an extra 10-15 hours per week on independent study, which will include completing recommended reading, assessment preparation and conducting research for your dissertation.

The programme will be delivered on a full-time basis, with face-to-face lectures. You will be expected to attend the Kirkley Hall campus for two days per week to increase flexibility and accessibility. Tutorials, dissertation supervision and pastoral support may take place outside of this rudimentary requirement as convenient to both you and your named support tutor(s).

At Level 6 you will typically have around 7-8 contact hours per week, with additional tutorial time as required, and this will be timetabled over two days on site. These contact hours will vary between lectures, practical work, external visits, seminars, group and individual workshops and tutorials dependent on each module.

Delivery will be scheduled for week days between 9am and 4:15pm within the usual academic year (i.e. September to May).

Timetables are normally available at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.

The BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Top Up is offered to enable tertiary level graduates to utilise knowledge of contemporary habitat and wildlife conservation issues in order to inform the application of practical skills that are vital to industry.

The programme has been designed to offer progression opportunities to FdSc Wildlife Conservation graduates and to develop a conceptual understanding of the principles underpinning contemporary wildlife and environmental management and its relationship to stakeholders within the land-based sector.

You will study habitat management, human-wildlife conflict, sustainable management and review current issues debated within the conservation sector. In addition, you will design and undertake an industry project as part of your dissertation.

Graduates will have the opportunity to progress to careers in environmental consultancy, countryside management and environmental management or continue into postgraduate study.

You will study modules including:

- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Habitat Management
- Sustainable Management
- Review Current Issues within the Equine Sector

In addition, you will design and undertake an industry project as part of your dissertation.

University of Cumbria

Successful completion of this course will result in the awarding of 120 credits.