Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): D447 / D449
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three years full-time or four years with industry sandwich
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
Introduction:
You will learn about the theory and practice of species conservation through a range of lectures, practicals and fieldwork combining the scientific principles of animal function and behaviour with conservation biology. You’ll explore current areas of global concern, including the effects of habitat loss on wild species, alongside approaches to their conservation. This course will give you sound knowledge of ecological processes and theories while developing the skills to identify, monitor and manage wild animals and their habitats.
Our 200-hectare rural campus offers a unique learning environment where you will put theory into practice and gain hands-on ecology and conservation experience. We utilise this outdoor classroom in many of our modules, for example, by undertaking species and habitat surveys across the campus. You will be taught by lecturers that have vast experience in the conservation sector and in ecological research.
Throughout the course, you will have the chance to participate in exciting field courses. Previous examples of trips include South Africa, southern Spain and Pembrokeshire, looking at the unique biodiversity of savannah, montane and coastal ecosystems, respectively.
You will also experience a range of non-residential field trips to various local and national sites of importance to nature. For example, previous first year trips have included studying the behaviour of British wildlife such as red deer and grey seals; as well as exotic animals such as Barbary macaques.
You will have the opportunity to undertake a year-long industry sandwich placement in the conservation sector between your second and final year, providing an excellent opportunity to explore an aspect of ecology or conservation that interests you while increasing your employability prospects.
If you have any questions about the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation course, you can contact the course leader Dr Anna Champneys.
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We're ranked top 5 in the UK for Ecology and Environmental Biology students who are positive about the teaching on their course (full-time first degrees, National Student Survey 2023). -
There is currently a residential field course in your second year. Previous locations have included Spain, to study wildlife in a range of habitats. The field course included studies on brown bears, wolves and invertebrates. -
There is also currently a residential field course in the final year. Previous locations have included Pembrokeshire in the UK and South Africa (Mankwe Wildlife Reserve), studying coastal management and the effect of savannah burning on large mammal diversity, respectively. -
100% of BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation sandwich students would recommend studying at NTU (NTU Student Survey 2023).
Which course is right for you?
We offer two conservation degrees, each with a different focus:
- BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation / BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation (with foundation year) - explores community and ecosystem ecology (i.e. larger scale ecology) and has more of a focus on habitats, plants, land use and the habitat requirements of species.
- BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation (this course) / BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation (with foundation year) - explores behavioural and population ecology (i.e. smaller scale ecology) and has more of a focus on wild animal species and animal conservation management, both in the UK and overseas.
We also offer BSc (Hons) Zoology / BSc (Hons) Zoology (with foundation year).
What you’ll study
You will undertake a range of modules that will equip you with the skills and understanding of ecological processes, wildlife management and conservation biology. You will gain an understanding of broad ecological aspects and key industry-standard skills to identify, monitor and manage wild animals and their habitats, which are crucial for a career in wildlife conservation. Throughout the course, you will also gain key transferable skills, such as professional writing, critical thinking, time management and teamwork.
Each year of your degree course consists of 120 credits spread over at least five modules (see below), including optional modules in your final year. During your final year, you will also have the opportunity to conduct independent dissertation research on a topic of your interest with the one-to-one support of our lecturers.
Your lectures will cover topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Behaviour
- Conservation biology
- Wildlife surveying
- Habitat management.
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Gain a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species, using many fun analogies. Topics include cell physiology, molecular genetics, transport systems and reproduction.
Behaviour
Study the fascinating world of animal behaviour including learning, communication, social structures and sexual behaviour. Previously, this module has included trips to undertake observations of wild grey seals at Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire and free-roaming Barbary macaques at Trentham Monkey Forest.
Biodiversity Conservation
Explore the amazing array of biological diversity on Earth, focusing on the abundance and distribution of species. Investigate theories addressing evolution, the causes of mass extinctions, and the conservation of species through a series of lectures and practical sessions including owl pellet dissections.
Conservation Organisations and Wildlife Issues
Through lectures, class debate and personal investigation, you will research the work that organisations undertake in response to managing current national and international wildlife conservation issues. Issues include the impact of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators and the impact of the badger cull in response to controlling bovine tuberculosis.
Ecological Census Techniques
Study how to identify plants and animals, and plan and conduct field surveys to monitor species and habitats. You will learn about the principles of surveying techniques before conducting your own field-based surveys across Brackenhurst Campus, including camera trapping, small mammal surveys, breeding bird surveys, and Phase 1 habitat surveys. These field skills are crucial for roles across the conservation sector.
Principles of Ecology
Examine the interactions between organisms and their environment, at individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. Investigate the abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors driving population and community dynamics through a series of lectures and practical sessions undertaken on the Brackenhurst Campus.
Applied Habitat Management
Understand the ecology and habitat management of a range of the most important UK habitats via site-based evaluations. You will also learn how to create a conservation management plan, which is a key skill required when working in the conservation sector.
Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
Explore the way in which animals behave in relation to their environment. Study areas such as the selfish gene, optimal foraging, game theory, and sexual selection.
Experimental Design and Analysis
Cultivate an understanding of research methodology, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and data presentation by working on real datasets where the findings will be shared with the industry.
Wildlife Field Techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Working collaboratively with your peers, you will build on previous knowledge to develop and employ a range of field techniques used in assessing the status of wildlife. In addition, you will hone your data acquisition, processing and GIS skills through a series of activities carried out on Brackenhurst Campus and as part of a residential field course. Previously, this trip has visited Spain.
Law and Policy
You will be introduced to the past, present and future laws and policies relating to the environment, wildlife and conservation. You will look at a range of specific wildlife and environmental laws, the reasons that we need them, the ways in which they work, and, finally, evaluate whether they are working to protect nature and natural resources.
Wildlife Population Biology
Develop your understanding of the dynamics at play within wildlife populations. You will critique the contrasting theories of population density, explore how the principles of inheritance can be applied to captive breeding programmes, and look at how knowledge of transmission can inform control of diseases in wildlife populations.
- This is a placement year for students on the sandwich course
Conservation Ecology
Learn the way ecological theory can be applied to the conservation of terrestrial, freshwater, marine and transitional environments. Integrate learning to understand the magnitude of conservation challenges, and how these might be resolved.
Dissertation
Undertake an independent research project under the supervision of our experienced staff. Focus on an area of conservation that interests you and allows you to use your practical and/or research skills to help you shape the focus of your degree.
Wildlife Management
Use real-world case studies to examine the suitability of different species management techniques, including a site visit and guest lectures, to explore a range of techniques and solutions to help aid population recovery. You will also learn how to conduct population modelling, using specialist software, to make sound decisions on the management of species and populations.
You'll also choose two optional modules, one of which must be a field course:
Africa Field Course
Investigate the function and conservation of African ecosystems. Previously, this module has included a residential field course to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, South Africa. The trip included undertaking wildlife surveys of a range of birds and mammals such as weaver birds, giraffes and rhinos, to estimate population size and understand how the environment influences species distributions.
UK Field Course
Investigate the ecology of coastal ecosystems. Previously, this module has included a residential field course to Pembrokeshire. The trip included using a variety of appropriate ecological methods, including rocky shore surveys and crab population studies.
Adaptive Physiology
Consider how animals cope with challenging environments, such as high altitudes or the deep sea through a series of interactive lectures. You will also critically evaluate different ways in which animals have adapted to their habitats.
Wildlife Conflicts and Resolution
Through a series of seminars, debates and guest lectures, you will critically analyse topical issues relating to wildlife conservation and develop your understanding of the importance of ethical theories and scientific methods in forming views. You will also gain an understanding of how to resolve situations with effective communication skills.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
"My course addresses the most pressing and relevant issues in conservation, both global and domestic, and the lecturers are highly knowledgeable in their fields with years of experience which allows them to contextualise topics in an easy to understand way. They're all very approachable and the support from tutors is first class: they're available throughout all hours of the day and offer good advice."
(BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation student review, Student Crowd)
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures, workshops and practical fieldwork sessions. Our conservation courses have a strong emphasis on practical learning and include field trips with opportunities in both the UK and abroad. There is also the option of an international exchange where you study abroad for part of the course.
"This course is designed for people who are enthused by wildlife, many trips and opportunities to practice the theory that has been taught. All the lecturers are also enthusiastic and knowledgeable on their subjects and will answer any questions and give support when needed."
(BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation student review, Student Crowd)
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (27%), independent study (73%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%), independent study (75%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
How you’re assessed
You will be assessed through a range of assignments, essays, posters, portfolios, project work, presentations, case studies and exams. These include writing species management plans, analysing data, simulating population viability, and producing survey reports to industry standard, all of which enhance your work-like experience.
- Year 1 coursework (67%), written exam (33%)
- Year 2 coursework (50%), written exam (50%)
- Year 3 coursework (83%), written exam (17%)
Careers and employability
Your future career
We pride ourselves on having an excellent track record of graduate prospects. Our course is designed to set you up ready for the workplace, giving you industry-ready skills (e.g. specific field-based and IT software skills) and transferable skills (e.g. critical thinking, professional writing and problem solving), enabling you to work in the diverse field of wildlife conservation, both in the UK and overseas.
"Wildlife Conservation is an amazing course with a lot of opportunities for volunteering and putting into practice what you learn. It also opens many doors for a wide range of jobs from Wardens and Rangers to Researchers and Ecologists."
(BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation student review, Student Crowd)
You will also be provided with the opportunity to talk to potential employees through work-like experience, which is embedded into the degree programme, and via a showcase at the end of your final year, which gives you the chance to demonstrate your skills to potential future employers.
Many of our students have successfully obtained jobs with conservation organisations including The Wildlife Trusts, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), governmental organisations including Natural England and the Environment Agency, and ecological consultancies. Our graduates go on to roles including reserves officer, site warden, communication and engagement officer, researcher and ecological consultant.
Some of our students also go on to further study. Our Employability team at the Brackenhurst campus are dedicated to helping you find and apply for suitable jobs during and after your studies.
Industry sandwich placement opportunities
The optional industry sandwich placement between year two and year three is an excellent opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace. This is an excellent chance to explore an aspect of wildlife conservation that might interest you as a career and at the same time significantly increase employment prospects.
Placements can be undertaken with one or several organisations, either in the UK or abroad. A placement diploma is available for students who have undertaken a substantial placement of at least 36 weeks. A placement certificate is available for students who have undertaken a shorter placement of at least 6 weeks. Our Employability team can help you to secure your placement.
Students have recently undertaken placements with EMEC ecology, TRAFFIC International, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, West Midlands Safari Park, Durrell Wildlife Conservation, Cheetah Outreach (South Africa).
What are the benefits of a work placement?
Practical work experience has many benefits for you. It can help you in your day-to-day studies and is often paid. It can enhance your commercial awareness and your ability to link theory and practice which will be an invaluable skill in your future career. Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual’s efforts and is not guaranteed.
International Exchange
This course also offers the opportunity to get involved in our International Exchange programme and study abroad at another university for part of the second year. Students have previously been involved in exchanges with the University of Guelph in Canada, Massey University in New Zealand, and Murdoch University in Australia.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
What our students are doing now
Connel Bradwell
Graduating from NTU in 2013 with a BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation, Connel is currently working as a Wildlife Education Manager at Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society in Canada, whilst educating others about conservation and wildlife through his blog, which was highly commended by the BBC in their Wildlife Blogger of the Year awards.
Peter White
Campus and facilities
You will be studying in the ideal environment for Wildlife Conservation. Brackenhurst Campus is a 200-hectare estate and wildlife haven that we use as an outdoor classroom.
Student research
- Conservation students are involved in tracking, mapping and recording a wide variety of species at Brackenhurst.
- These have included hedgehogs, badgers and roe deer.
- Many of the techniques learnt at Brackenhurst with native species have been transferred to global research projects on wolves, hyenas and vultures.
Conservation Society
Brackenhurst Campus has an award-winning student-led Conservation Society who organise events throughout the year. These include a variety of activities such as seminars, species surveys, bird ringing, field trips, social events and practical tasks such as habitat management, both on campus and for local organisations. This is an excellent way to obtain voluntary conservation work, helping to boost your CV.
Entry requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
- Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Access to Higher Education courses
If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject grade C or equivalent.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Psychology and Zoology. We also consider science modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which some students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available both in paper format at the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library, and also in online access format.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
Tuition fees for September 2024 entry
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £17,150 |
Full-time with placement | £17,150 + £1,850 (placement year) |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which some students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available both in paper format at the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library, and also in online access format.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Advice on writing a good personal statement
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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