15May
Undergraduate This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
University of Cumbria has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Our Ambleside campus in the Lake District is surrounded by rivers, lakes and coastline. All this on your doorstep will inspire your marine conservation degree studies and prepare you to make a difference to the environmental conservation of our planet. With a shortage of marine and freshwater scientists in the UK, there’s never been a better time to study to become a future expert in the world of marine biology and aquatic conservation. Course Overview On this degree course, you’ll receive a thorough introduction to a range of marine and freshwater environments from upland springs to coastal zones. Once you’ve mastered the fundamental understanding of biodiversity and its conservation we’ll move on to the processes affecting the behaviour and characteristics of aquatic habitats. You’ll also be able to choose from a number of modules to suit your interests so you can tailor your own degree, backed up by laboratory and field-based teaching from research-active tutors to boost your practical and analytical skills. If you choose the ‘with placement’ version of the degree you will also complete a year away from campus, undertaking a UK or international placement; some of our former students have chosen to study in countries including Cambodia, Canada, Mexico and Montenegro. We also offer our students an abundance of conservation volunteering opportunities as well as field trips across the UK and overseas. On this course you will
- Benefit from the only UK marine conservation degree taught inside a national park. This provides you with easy access to charismatic wildlife and diverse and distinctive habitats and ecosystems.
- Be taught by experts in aquatic conservation, each with a wealth of experience in the conservation of marine and freshwater species and their habitats.
- Enjoy small class sizes which allows us to provide a personal approach to teaching and student support.
- Be actively involved in the reintroduction of endangered wildlife species in Cumbria. So you can gain hands-on experience in species reintroduction as part of your conservation degree.
- Study in a vibrant community within the landscape of the English Lake District. This provides amazing recreational opportunities and you will live and breathe conservation.
- Conservation Skills & Practice
- Introduction to Conservation Biology
- Biodiversity 1
- Biodiversity 2
- Introduction to Ecology
- Aquatic Environments
- Biodiversity Monitoring
- Evolution and Biogeography
- Freshwater Ecology
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Marine Ecology
- Conservation Genetics (Optional)
- Geographic Information Systems (Optional)
- Valuing the Environment (Optional)
- Dissertation
- Management of Aquatic Resources
- Applied Field Studies
- Conservation in Marine & Freshwater Ecosystems
- Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional)
- Conservation Strategies (Optional)
- Wildlife Management (Optional)
Assessment method
The overarching consideration is to provide assessments which are seen as “for and as learning” rather than simply testing ability and knowledge. The main drivers of this strategy are to: Provide innovative, challenging and stimulating assessment which will enable you to develop the knowledge and professional skills required for employment Be student-centered, flexible and modern Be fully supported by, and integrated with, technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) and electronic portfolio Impart academic rigour to the teaching and learning processes Support the development of your independence, autonomy and critical self-reflection Support different learners’ needs at different stages of development Within a balanced scheme, summative assessment methods may include: Unseen examinations Open-book examinations and practical tests Laboratory reports Computer-based assessments Problem solving Reports on fieldwork and surveys Critical analysis of case studies Oral, audio-visual and poster presentations Dissertations Research planning Production of a scientific paper Peer and self-
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- D447
- Institution code:
- C99
- Campus name:
- Ambleside
- Campus code:
- A
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
A level - CCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBCC - ABBB
T Level - P - M
GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above is also required.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £9250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £13250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.
Provider information
University of Cumbria
Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Carlisle
CA1 2HH
Course contact details
Visit our course pageUniversity of Cumbria
0845 606 1144