Wildlife Conservation FdSc
- Level(s) of Study: Foundation degree / Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): D448; D450
- Start Date(s): October 2024
- Duration: Two years full-time or three years with industry sandwich
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This foundation degree (FdSc) course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and attributes to prepare you for a career in conservation. Combining theory with practice, you will become skilled in conserving the wildlife with which we share the planet, and the habitats they live in.
The FdSc takes a more vocational approach to learning than the BSc courses, helping you to become work-ready. You will carry out ecological censuses such as breeding bird surveys for a local consultancy, alongside participating in practical habitat management such as hedge laying on the Brackenhurst Estate or with local conservation organisations.
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 many exciting field courses. You will have the opportunity to visit northern Spain where you will learn about the unique biodiversity of montane ecosystems. You will also experience a range of non-residential field trips to various local and national sites of importance to nature.
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.
On completion of the foundation degree, you can progress to the final year of either the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation or BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation courses.
If you have any questions about the FdSc Wildlife Conservation course, you can contact the course leader Matt Edwards.
Which course is right for you?
- BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation - 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 - 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.
- FdSc Wildlife Conservation (this course) - is more vocational, with greater emphasis on practical and applied skills to prepare you for the workplace.
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You'll benefit from learning on our Brackenhurst Campus, an idyllic 200-hectare estate that includes farmland, woodland and wetland, supporting a diverse range of habitats and wildlife right on your doorstep. We also have facilities such as a Bird Hide and Animal Unit for studying wildlife in natural and constructed habitats. -
You'll get the chance to volunteer with extra projects, such as surveying great crested newts, ringing birds and trapping small mammals on campus. -
You’ll take part in a residential overseas field course to Spain during your second year. This will enable you to study wildlife in a range of habitats. The field course includes studies on brown bears, wolves and invertebrates. -
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).
What you’ll study
This course provides a scientific foundation combining theory with practical application, enabling you to become skilled at conserving wildlife and their habitats. Throughout the course, you will also gain key transferable skills, such as professional writing, critical thinking, time management and teamwork. Industry representatives have worked with us to develop this course.
Each year of your degree course consists of 120 credits spread over six modules (see below).
Your lectures will cover topics such as:
- Wildlife surveying
- Habitat management
- Practical conservation skills
- Work experience.
Introduction to Animal Ecology
Explore the structure and function of a range of animal species and examine how animals interact with each other and their environments. Practical sessions include observing daphnia heart rates and assessing vigilance in geese.
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.
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.
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.
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 the 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.
Practical Conservation Skills
Working on either the Brackenhurst Estate or on sites managed by external organisations, you will participate in a range of practical habitat management activities such as coppicing ancient woodland or managing grasslands, and identify how these management techniques can improve conditions for nature. You will develop confidence in the use of a range of tools and gain insight into creating a safe working environment.
This is a placement year for students on three-year course.
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.
Conservation Work Experience
By participating and reflecting on a short work placement of your choice and completing a group challenge, you will further develop and market your professional identity to increase your employability.
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 colleagues, 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 the Brackenhurst Campus and as part of a residential overseas field course that is currently situated in Spain.
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.
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.
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.
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 (23%), independent study (70%), placements (7%)
A placement year may be taken between year 1 and year 2 of study.
How you’re assessed
You will be assessed through a range of assignments, essays, portfolios, project work, presentations, case studies and exams. These include writing management plans 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 (67%), written exam (33%)
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. field-based skills) and transferable skills (e.g. writing and problem-solving), enabling you to work in the diverse field of wildlife conservation, both in the UK and overseas.
You will also be provided with the opportunity to talk to potential employees through work-like experience, which is embedded into the degree programme.
Many of our students have successfully obtained jobs with conservation organisations including The Wildlife Trusts, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Natural England and ecological consultancies. Our graduates go on to roles including countryside ranger, species officer and site warden.
Some of our students also go on to further study. Our employability team at Brackenhurst Campus are dedicated to helping you find and apply for suitable jobs during and after your studies.
Industry sandwich placement opportunities
Some students opt to take an industrial placement between Year One and Year Two, providing them with the opportunity to spend an additional year working in the 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.
Students have gained valuable experience through recent placements such as Mauritian Wildlife Conservation (MWF), Mauritius, Huay Pakoot Conservation Group, Thailand, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
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.
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.
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
- 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Zoology and Geography.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
- 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Zoology and Geography.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Please note this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 / Student Route visa.
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:
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:
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), steel-toe-capped boots (for practical sessions), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
Tuition fees for September 2024 entry are yet to be confirmed.
For guidance, course fees for September 2023 entry are:
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £16,500 |
Full-time with placement | £16,500 + £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), steel-toe-capped boots (for practical sessions), 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.
Please note this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 / Student Route visa.
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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