BSc Countryside Conservation

With the increasing pressures which man is placing upon the environment the need for conservation has never been greater. Associated with this are a growing number of people employed in conservation of the countryside. This Countryside Conservation degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a rewarding career in conservation. You will study a wide range of subjects through a combination of lectures, visits, study tours and work related assignments. You also have the option to undertake some of your study abroad in an European or American university. This stimulating course is an essential first step to a career in conservation.

Key features

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

Content and Structure

People working in conservation need an in-depth knowledge of ecology, habitats and habitat management, species conservation and biodiversity. However, it is essential that conservationists also have an underpinning knowledge of allied subjects such as law, planning and landscape. Example subject areas include:

Year 1
Geology and landform; ecology; countryside organisations; habitats; countryside recreation; archaeology; soils; rural economics; agriculture; rural communities. There is also an integrative study tour in semester 2.

Work Experience
You may take a six-week period of assessed work experience in the vacation between years 1 and 2.

Year 2
Examples of modules include: the management of habitats for wildlife; forestry and woodlands; human impact on the environment; landscape; species surveying techniques; research techniques; planning; countryside law; advanced ICT; and food, farming and the environment.

Year 3
Individual research project; species conservation; global biodiversity; landscape ecology; current conservation issues; the agrienvironment; 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:

• Species survey and monitoring project
• Production of a conservation site management plan
• Landscape assessment and development plan
• Environmental impacts of agriculture
• Development of an environmental web page