Course summary

The BSc Top Up course has a well-rounded base of environmental conservation skills, which would suit progression directly into conservation related industries, or, if preferred, the skills to diversify into a range of self-employed and entrepreneurial enterprises. Our course is designed with equal focus on environmental sciences and associated skills. GIS and SPSS are used by most land-based industries for various purposes, including analysing raw data and predicting future impacts of anthropogenic activities. Similarly, knowledge and competence within animal behaviour and conflict mitigation is in industry demand and offers the flexibility to move into education and educational support. The communication and presentation skills gained through specific modules and assessments mean opportunities may also be pursued in marketing, sales and retail, and advisory roles, which all play a vital role in modern conservation efforts. For those of you with an interest in academia and expanding your skill set, a degree such as this can lead to jobs in diagnostic laboratories, animal husbandry facilities and underpinning knowledge may provide opportunities to pursue further qualifications such as bird ringing licences through the British Ornithological Trust and other wildlife licences. Organisations that may employ you as a result of obtaining this qualification include the animal and wildlife charities, environmental branches of local and national government, environmental commissions and various British wildlife trusts. If you enjoyed working with technology, then utilising analytic software to measure and predict trends and impacts, for example statistical modelling of the effects of climate change on animals or their habitats or the transmission rates of diseases. For those of you wishing to continue your studies, the course includes opportunities to discuss studying at Masters level, and advice from staff and alumni in terms of these next steps.