Debate the ethical issues surrounding wildlife conservation and explore the role of the modern zoo for in-situ conservation, as well as the use of captive breeding programmes throughout the Wildlife Conservation FdSc qualification.
You will study a range of species, habitats and ecosystems, nationally and internationally, and help protect these valuable resources from extinction. The couse will also teach you to measure and preserve biodiversity, as well as appreciate the challenges of conservation biology.
You'll have opportunities to participate in both in-situ conservation experiences (international trips and internships) and ex-situ conservation within the Northumberland College Zoo, which is a BIAZA member with over 100 species.
We also have a range of strong industry and academic links to hep you to develop and apply your research skills, both on and off site.
Varied assessments will challenge you to dive deeper into your chosen subject areas and develop digital, research and transferable skills.
You will need 48 UCAS points to enrol on this course, as well as GCSEs in English, Maths and a Science at grade 4/C or above.
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 .
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| HE | Please enquire | Current fees for September - £6165 It is not possible to confirm fees for future academic years but the maximum increase each year will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The following course-related costs are included in the fees: - Annual £10 printing allowance - Loan of technical and field equipment required for modules and laboratory coat The following course-related costs are not included in the fees: - PPE (e.g. overalls and working boots to work on the zoo specific requirements will be communicated before enrolment) - Day trips (e.g. to nature reserves, zoos) may incur a small entry fee which will be communicated in good time - Laptop/computer - all submitted work must be word processed - Stationary for note taking. Financial support: For more information on Student Finance please go to our HE Finance page. |
Students are assessed in a variety of ways to develop graduate level skills. Assessment methods include scientific reports, essays, reflective reports, written examinations, practical examinations, portfolios and individual and group presentations.
GCSEs at 4/C or above or equivalent in Maths and English are required for this course.
As part of the course, you will undertake 150 hours of work experience in a vocationally relevant external placement(s), which you can choose for yourself.
You will have access to gain hands-on experience at Northubmberland College Zoo, as well as the working farm, equine yard and dog groomers on site at our Kirkley Hall campus.
We also have close links with a range of land-based organisations, such as Tynemouth Aquarium, Pets Corner in Jesmond, wildlife rehabilitators and government officers.
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.
Attendance on campus is required 2-3 days a week (Monday-Friday, timetable TBC), with self-directed study and/or work experience comprising the remainder of the working week.
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.
This programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and ability needed to work within the rapidly expanding wildlife conservation sector.
Year one is designed to develop the essential knowledge, academic and practical skills needed to study and pursue work across the animal management and wildlife conservation sectors. As such, modules that form the first year of the Wildlife Conservation course are also those that form the first year of the Foundation Degree in Animal Welfare and Management. This has the advantage of permitting a switch of programmes after successful completion of year one, should students develop a strong interest in the animal welfare sector during this time and wish to pursue modules more suited to their change in interests.
As the FdSc Wildlife Conservation programme specialises more in year two, students will learn the fundamentals of conservation theory, and how to apply this knowledge in both a natural and zoo setting. Here, students will undertake a practical projects to put their knowledge and skills into practice.
Ultimately, the course is geared towards developing the knowledge and essential practical and transferable skills that we know employers in our sector value. Academic skills development modules run over both years to develop research, academic communication, information technology, project management and critical evaluation skills. Students are introduced to entrepreneurship: a business skills module run in the second year provides practical experience of event management and commercial enterprise, to give graduates a competitive edge and broader career horizons should they wish to pursue self-employed work. Career prospects are enhanced further through a mandatory 150 hours’ work experience component, to be completed at a placement(s) of the student’s choosing and at times to suit the individual and placement provider.
Modules:
Year 1 -
- Introduction to Academic Skills
- Pre-Industry Skills
- Mammalian Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition
- Animal Health and Management
- Principles of Biodiversity
- Evolution and Genetics
Year 2 -
- Industrial Experience
- Research Methods
- Event Management
- Zoo Conservation
- Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour
- Wildlife Conservation
University of Cumbria
The entire qualification is worth 240 Credits - 120 credits per year, with each module worth 20 credits.
On completion of this course, you could progress to a top up course to convert your degree into a full Level 6 BSc. Northumberland College offer a BSc Wildlife COnservation (Hons) Top Up programme that you may be eligible to progress onto.
You can also gain employment in a range of sectors, incluing education, ecotourism, conservation research and habitat management.
This is a Higher Education course validated by the University of Cumbria.
Visit the University of Cumbria website here.
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