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Wildlife Conservation, BSc (Hons)

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On this course, students will acquire the skills to identify, monitor and manage wild animals and their habitats, enabling you to pursue career opportunities within wildlife parks, zoos, rescue centres, environmental agencies, government agencies and charities, both in the UK and overseas.

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Key information

UCAS code

D447 BSc/WildC

Entry requirements

220 UCAS tariff points including a relevant Science subject at A-level or equivalent, BTEC Diploma at Merit/Distinction (related subject) or equivalent qualification
GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above are required
International students: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (see how to apply tab)

Please see the how to apply section for the full entry requirement details.

Course length

Three years full-time, four years with placement

Study location

Brackenhurst campus

Fees and funding

For more information please see our applying and fees section.

Start date

October in year of entry

Visit the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences site

Overview
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Careers
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Placements
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How To Apply
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Reasons to choose this course

Research undertaken by students in the final year is often used by conservation organisations.
Teaching takes place on Brackenhurst campus, 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.
A field course is undertaken in Year Two, which involves wildlife surveys in a range of Mediterranean habitats (in Eastern Spain).
Opportunities exist for you to take an optional placement year in industry.

About the course
This degree aims to produce flexible graduates with a range of transferable skills who can work in the diverse field of wildlife conservation in the UK and overseas. The course combines the scientific principles of animal function and behaviour with conservation biology. Students will acquire the transferable skills to identify, monitor and manage wild animals and their habitats. Undergraduates benefit from the excellent Brackenhurst Estate, which offers an ideal learning environment for this course. The qualification gained is the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation.

Please note the following information for applicants

Students have the additional benefit of being able to study wildlife on the Brackenhurst Estate. With a strong emphasis on project-based learning, students can be involved in research into local, national and international animal populations.

Field trips
Students undertake a research field course to south-east Spain during year two where they have previously surveyed wild boar and undertaken optimal foraging studies on greater flamingos.

Students have the option of studying South African wildlife in situ as part of the final year of the course. In addition, an introductory field trip takes place during the first few weeks of year one.

Assessment
Assessment is by project, coursework and examination.

Year One

Anatomy and Physiology is designed to give students a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a wide range of species. It also provides underpinning for many second and third year modules.
Animal Handling involves students spending practical time on the Animal Unit and surrounding estate, learning to handle all species available including small mammals, reptiles and birds.
Behaviour looks at patterns of animal behaviour in both the wild and captivity. Topics covered include learning, sexual behaviour, communication, aggression, social structure, resource acquisition and behaviour in captive environments.
Biodiversity Conservation is an exploration of the biological diversity on earth focusing on the abundance and distribution of species. The theories of evolution, causes of extinction and conservation of species are investigated.
Conservation Policy and Issues addresses the aims and objectives of different organisations with responsibilities for conservation. In addition, an overview of contemporary wildlife issues including several key controversial subjects, such as the use of wind farms, are discussed.
Ecology; Terrestrial and Water studies the interaction of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in relation to the distribution of populations and communities within ecosystems.
Personal Development Skills is concerned with the development of transferable skills necessary in writing reports, managing meetings, teamwork and managing career development.
Wildlife Surveying involves on and off-site surveying sessions with the aim of teaching students a range of common survey techniques typically utilised by ecological / environmental consultants.

Year Two

Animal Health provides students with an understanding of the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of pathogenic diseases as diverse as rabies and avian influenza.
Animal Reproduction, Genetics and Breeding introduces students to the field of reproductive physiology, the principles of inheritance and the application of these principles in breeding programmes.
Applied Habitat Management is delivered as a series of site-based habitat and species evaluations on and off-campus. These include surveys and assessments, data analysis, discussion workshops, seminars and lectures.
Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology explores the way in which animals behave in relation to their environment and covers topics such as the selfish gene, optimal foraging, game theory and sexual selection.
Environmental Monitoring provides an understanding of the methods and processes involved in monitoring of air and water quality and the ecotoxicology of metal and hydrocarbon pollutants.
Experimental Design and Analysis prepares students for their final-year research dissertation, developing an understanding of research methodology, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and data presentation.
Geographical Information Systems introduces students to mapping and spatial analytical techniques used in geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Skills will be developed through practical tasks using GIS software such as MapInfo and GPS (Global Positioning System) data.
Wildlife Law introduces the broad range of legal issues that affect those engaged in protecting the environment and wildlife conservation.

Final year

Adaptive Physiology investigates the physiological challenges presented by different environments and the nature of the adaptations that enable animals to overcome them.
Dissertation provides an opportunity to develop expertise in an area of personal interest, through carrying out independent research, under supervision, in an area of environmental conservation and countryside management. Previous studies include the behaviour of translocated ospreys, the impact of countryside stewardship on farmland birds and the influence of visitors on captive orang-utans.
Politics, Issues and Ethics explores the issues and perceptions of nature conservation with a view to systematically identifying the philosophies influencing views of conservation.
Species Reintroduction covers a range of topics including extinctions, introduction of alien species, legal and ethical considerations of reintroductions, and the rehabilitation of animals to the wild.
Wildlife and Zoo Management looks at the role of zoos and wildlife parks in the contexts of conservation, education and research, and at the management of wild animal populations through conservation and sustainable usage.
Electives - Students will be given the opportunity to select modules from a list comprising:
- Advanced Ecology
- African Ecosystems
- Agriculture
- Behaviour Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Freshwater Ecology
- (options will only run with viable numbers).