FdSc Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management
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Subject
Environmental Conservation
Level
Foundation Degree (Level 5)
Study Mode
Full-Time
Duration
2 year full-time/3 years part-time
Start Date
September 2025
The course
Full details of the newly refreshed programme will be available later in the year and will be communicated to all applicants at the earliest opportunity.
Are you looking to tackle the biodiversity crisis by pursuing a career within the wildlife, ecology and conservation sector? Then this foundation degree is for you.
It has been designed to enable you to develop the skills in demand within the sector, opening up a diverse range of employment opportunities.
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of species, habitats and ecosystems, as well as their management and how to engage others in your passion for the natural world and its protection. Business and employment elements are included to improve transferable skills and give you a thorough insight into your chosen career path.
Course Information
- Provide, develop and apply your understanding of organism identification, assessment and management of ecosystems, habitats and species.
- Develop your understanding of public engagement and human/wildlife interactions.
- Provide you with the project and business management skills wanted by employers in the sector, including problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork.
- Develop your understanding of the conservation sector in the UK and abroad.
- Develop your research and digital skills and use these to seek solutions to biodiversity issues.
Year 1
- Organism Identification
- Principles of Ecology and Conservation
- British Wildlife Ecosystems, Habitats and Species
- UK Conservation Policy and Legislation
- Academic and Professional Skills and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Industry Skills
Year 2
- Management of Habitats
- Wildlife Management
- Human Wildlife Interactions and Public Engagement
- Field Studies With Data Analysis
- Independent Project
- Business Project Management
You will need:
A minimum of 72 UCAS points OR a relevant BTEC Level 3 and significant industrial experience
Plus:
GCSE English 4 or above or equivalent and a suitable reference
UCAS points may be from qualifications such as T Levels, A Levels, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and City and Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas amongst others. Please use the UCAS Tariff points calculator to determine the UCAS points value of your qualifications.
Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.
If an applicants first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent is not held, they will need to evidence their English language proficiency level, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill).
Advanced entry may be possible due to prior experience or certificated learning; applicants will be invited to complete the recognition of prior learning approval process.
This programme is delivered using a variety of teaching and learning approaches. This includes giving you hands-on experiential opportunities in both your academic and professional development.
Sessions which deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge feature a strong emphasis on active learning within lectures, seminars, workshops, field work, site visits, case studies, independent learning, formative assessment and guest speaker sessions.
All teaching is focused on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance independent learning and your ability to make decisions, problem-solve and manage projects all skills required in the conservation and ecology sector. The programme utilises excellent onsite resources, offsite visits and extensive industry links for applied aspects essential for your employability skills.
A typical week on the full-time pathway includes approximately 13 hours a week contact time, incorporating lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. This may vary from week to week depending on field trips and other programme-related activities. You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of private study in addition to contact time (approximately 20-30 hours a week).
A typical week on the part-time pathway includes approximately 7-9 hours a week contact time, incorporating lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. This may vary from week to week depending on field trips and other programme-related activities. You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of private study in addition to contact time (approximately 10 hours a week).
- Hardwearing outdoor clothing appropriate for a range of weather conditions including waterproofs, warm layers and sun protection.
- Appropriate footwear including wellington boots and walking boots.
- Binoculars and hand lens.
- Rucksack for trips and visits.
- Stationery for use in class and to organise your work and assignments.
- A laptop with internet connectivity, capable of running GIS software, is strongly recommended.
- There may be additional costs for educational visits/trips and enrichment activities.
- On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost.
Validated by University of Hull
We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.
This includes transforming our programmes to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of the sector, giving you the best opportunities for success when you graduate by having a competence-based focus. Find out more about competence-based higher education.
View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.
Financial Information
Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.