Course summary

Do you have the passion and potential to study one of our university-level programmes, but not the necessary qualifications to start? Our Science Gateway course is the perfect solution. Whether you are returning to education or your results weren’t quite what you hoped for, the Science Gateway provides a high-quality route into the large range of science foundation degree (FdSc) programmes at Cornwall College Newquay. Science Gateway is designed to prepare you to succeed on a foundation degree in a number of ways. It’ll help to develop your knowledge of core underpinning scientific concepts, as well as subject knowledge specifically related to your chosen subject area. With our focus on building practical skills; you’ll gain confidence and competence in both the laboratory and fieldwork. Alongside this, the development of your academic study skills will help to boost your research competencies and overall employability. You will study at our thriving Newquay campus, set against an inspirational backdrop of wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries. For over 20 years, Cornwall College Newquay has inspired thousands of science graduates to make a difference, using their passion as a guide. Our small supportive group sizes and friendly experienced tutors create a family-feel that’s unlike any university experience you will have seen. Another benefit is the contact you’ll get with academic staff teaching at higher levels, ranging from formal tutorials and lessons to attendance at oral and poster presentation sessions. So, what are you waiting for? The Science Gateway programme is the ideal way to progress onto your foundation degree, knowing that you are well-prepared, not just to achieve but to excel. Following on from the Science Gateway year you may then progress onto FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation. More than ever before, the natural world needs our help. We need to set our sights on understanding the big issues that stand in the way of a sustainable future. Issues like deforestation, habitat fragmentation and the unprecedented decline of wildlife populations across the globe. These are problems that won’t solve themselves, and it’s the talent and passion of graduates that will drive the necessary science to get our natural world back on track. We’ve designed our FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation programme with this in mind. Emphasising practical skills underpinned by a strong academic and scientific core, and placing employability and real-world relevance squarely at the heart of what the course is all about. The modules themselves provide a solid grounding in the basics of ecological theory, survey techniques, statistics and scientific report writing. You’ll look at how organisms have adapted to their environments, and in some cases, how they’ve changed the ecology around them. The fundamentals of zoology will also be covered - looking at the diversity of life and how evolution has led to the organisms we see today. You’ll be building your practical skillset throughout; collecting data, surveying and monitoring wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll gain experience using GIS, operating machinery such as chainsaws or brush cutters and working towards licences to work with species such as bats or dormice. Exactly the type of hands-on field experience that employers are looking for. The second year of study gives you the space to specialise, and you can choose to focus on global conservation or in conservation closer to home. This can mean rewilding or habitat restoration or protected species survey or reintroduction programmes. As well as an ongoing 20-year partnership with Newquay Zoo, the college has strong ties with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Newquay Marine Group, Cornwall Birds and many more. This allows industry-focused, ground-roots conservation work experience to be embedded directly into your programme of study.