BSc Countryside Management

If you want a career working in the countryside for organisations such as the National Trust or national parks then this vocational course is for you. The course equips you with the knowledge and skills required to gain employment in a Countryside Management capacity. You will study a wide range of subjects through a combination of lectures, visits, study tours and work related assignments. Through module choice you will be able to tailor your course to suit your individual interests and career aspirations. You also have the option to undertake some of your study abroad in an European or American University and carrying out some work experience.

Key features

• Vocational 3 year full time course
• Skills development
• Continuous assessment
• Study tours and visits
• Optional work experience
• Realism and relevance
• Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive staff
• European and American exchanges

Content and Structure

Countryside managers need a wide knowledge of the issues and processes that combine to create the countryside that we know and love. As such the range of subject matter is diverse. Example subject areas include:

Year 1
Geology and landform; ecology; countryside organisations; rural communities; countryside recreation; archaeology; tourism; rural economics; agriculture. There is also a week's study tour in semester 2, which seeks to analyse locations and activites by bringing together material from the different topics which you have covered.

Year 2
You may take a six-week industrial placement in the vacation between your first and second years. Examples of subject areas include: habitat and wildlife management; visitor management; countryside access; forestry and woodlands; community development; landscape; human impact on the environment; countryside law; research methodologies; rural tourism; planning; environmental economics; advanced ICT; and food, farming and the environment.

Year 3
In your third year you undertake an individual research project and study the following: species conservation; global biodiversity; landscape ecology; recreation and tourism planning; interpretation and environmental education; farming and wildlife; current countryside issues; integrated rural resource management. There is also a week of study visits.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and formal examination. Continuous assessment is in the form of assignments, which are designed to be as realistic as possible and will develop your skills as well as your knowledge. Example assignments include:

• Development of an environmental web page
• Production of a conservation management plan
• Assessment of issues in a real rural community
• Planning role play
• Development of a recreation trail