Reasons to choose this course
- This foundation degree has been developed in liaison with industry representatives.
- The course is taught on Brackenhurst campus, which us the ideal environment for studying environmental sciences. We have 200 hectares of farmland, woodland and wetland estate with a diverse range of habitats and wildlife species.
- Modules include Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology and Applied Habitat Management.
About the course
The foundation degree takes a more vocational approach to learning than the BSc (Hons) degree, with an increased emphasis on development and learning through practical experiences, though the course is still academically demanding. Students must apply their knowledge to various wildlife conservation situations around the excellent Brackenhurst estate, which is an ideal learning environment for this course. The qualification gained is the Foundation Degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Progression
Students who are achieving a high academic standard may progress from the foundation degree to the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation on successful completion of a qualifying summer school.
Fieldwork
You will have the opportunity to help with projects such as great crested newt surveying, bird ringing, small mammal trapping and badger watching all on the Brackenhurst campus. We also have facilities such as the bird hide and Animal Unit for studying wildlife in natural and constructed habitats.
Keep in touch with Wildlife Conservation at the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences by following the team on Facebook.
Please note the following information for applicants
Assessment
Assessment is by project, coursework and examination.
Year One
Animal Handling
Students will spend practical time on the animal unit learning to handle all the species available. Theoretical knowledge on flight zones, behavioural responses and live capture methods are also examined.
Applied Animal and Plant Sciences
This module is designed to give students a broad understanding of animal and plant structure and function across a wide range of species. It also provides an introduction to statistical methods.
Biodiversity Conservation
This module is an exploration of the variety of life, covering species identification, classification and how biodiversity is measured. The issues of evolution, causes of extinction and conservation of species are introduced.
Conservation Organisations and Rural Issues
The aims and objectives of different organisations with responsibilities for conservation in the UK will be addressed in this module. In addition, an overview of rural conservation issues, including several key controversial subjects, will be provided.
Ecology, Terrestrial and Water
This module studies the abundance and distribution of species, providing a scientific basis and understanding for current nature conservation strategy, policy and management. It also underpins many second and third year modules.
Personal Development Skills
This module is concerned with the development of transferable skills necessary in writing reports, managing meetings, teamwork and managing career development.
Practical Wildlife Habitat Management
This module will enable students to develop skills in a range of practical conservation and rural skills. Subjects covered will include vegetation management, use of conservation machinery and the construction of wildlife housing and access points.
Year Two
Animal Behaviour
This module covers topics including learning, sexual behaviour, communication, aggression, social structure, resource acquisition and behaviour in captive environments.
Animal Health
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of diseases as diverse as rabies and foot and mouth disease.
Animal Reproduction, Genetics and Breeding
This module introduces the student to the field of reproductive physiology. The genetics element of the module is designed to give students an understanding of the principles of inheritance, whilst the study of breeding programmes is used to illustrate the practical application of the theoretical principles.
Applied Habitat Management
The module is delivered as a series of site-based evaluations, data analysis and discussion workshops, seminars and a small number of lectures.
Integrated Project
For this module the student is expected to prepare a report and presentation based on the survey of a site that is to be managed to improve its value to nature conservation.
Wildlife Surveying
Sessions involve off-site surveys and data analysis workshops with the aim of teaching students a range of common survey techniques.
Industry Placement
For this module students are required to undertake a short industrial placement within the wildlife conservation sector.
Wildlife Law
This module introduces the broad range of legal issues that affect those engaged in protecting the environment, including countryside access and wildlife conservation. Topics covered include the Wildlife and Countryside Act, European Directives and International Conventions.
Your future career
Graduates progress into careers in a diverse range of wildlife conservation activities. Typical employment areas include:
- project leading for voluntary groups, conservation organisations and country parks
- ranger or warden work for local authorities
- work in wildlife rescue centres or zoos
- species surveyors for special interest organisations such as the Mammal Society or Froglife.
Some students opt to take an industrial placement between years one and two providing them with the opportunity to spend an additional year working in industry. This is an excellent chance to explore an aspect of wildlife conservation that might interest students as a career and at the same time significantly increase employment prospects.
Work placements and internships
Many students enjoy the challenge of arranging their own work placement or a practical internship which forms part of many of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It can give you invaluable insight into applying for a job, undertaking practical and theoretical application tests and experiencing what a real job interview is like.
How to apply
Applications for this course should be directed through the UCAS application system.
Part-time applicants need to complete a direct entry form available from our Student Administration team. Just give us a call and we'll put one in the post for you straight away.
UCAS code: D448 FdSc/WCon
Full entry requirement details
You will need 120 UCAS tariff points including one Science subject at A-level or equivalent. Relevant Science subjects are:
- Biology*
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Human Biology
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Psychology
- Geography
- Zoology.
*(Students should note that Biology is the most appropriate study route for natural progression into Animal and Wildlife sciences.) Alternatively, you will need the BTEC Diploma with three passes (in related subjects) or an equivalent qualification.
In addition to the above qualifications you will need GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above.
Applications are encouraged from mature students who may not have formal entry qualifications, but who can demonstrate commitment or have relevant experience.
International entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world on this course.
Tier 4 visa applicants - English language requirements
Applicants requiring Tier 4 visas will need to have a minimum score of either:
- IELTS 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in reading, listening, speaking and writing skills)
- TOEFL iBT 87 (with at least 21 in reading, 22 in listening, 23 in speaking and 21 in writing)
- Or equivalent language qualification
For further information, please visit our English language requirements web page for International applicants
EU applicants and non-Tier 4 international applicants - English language requirements
You will require:
- GCSE English Grade C, IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 76 or equivalent.
For further information, please visit our English language requirements web page for EU applicants.
Contact us
If you want to speak to us about this course, open days or how to apply - then get in touch using the following details:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099 (Brackenhurst campus)
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200 (Admissions)
