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Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

1Mar
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate
30Apr
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate
12Jun
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate

Course summary

Why choose this degree? We are living in a period of unprecedented planetary change in terms of climate and biodiversity. Would you like to understand the current and emerging science in the fields of sustainability, conservation and ecology that can make a positive difference and develop the knowledge, skills and networks for employment? Join us to:

  • Gain the skills the industry needs (both academic and practical) through work-related learning.
  • Work with a team of passionate, multidisciplinary, experienced lecturers with local and national links, and current industry contacts.
  • Choose to progress on to a BSc Top-up course to continue your studies after successful completion.
What makes UCS special? We have an enviable reputation for our work as we have run specialist Wildlife Ecology and Conservation courses since 1973. Our tutors are industry experts with practical experience and qualifications relevant to their particular specialism, as well as staying actively involved in the study and management of ecology, the environment, wildlife, conservation, game and the countryside. Their contacts and experience will open the doors to your career in the ecology industry. We have also established close links with a range of landowners and conservation organisations throughout the country, including The Wildlife Trusts and have unprecedented access to a wide variety of sites, so that students can experience a diversity of wildlife, habitats and their management first hand. Site visits and presentations given by visiting speakers with specific expertise are integrated into our courses, giving you a valuable insight into the industry before you join it. Students benefit from our own 183-hectare estate that provides a managed rural environment. This includes an ancient semi-natural woodland designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, a lake with reed-bed, a woodland shelterbelt with newly established woodland, recreated semi-natural grassland and a Game and Wildlife Centre that gives students practical industry skills alongside academic knowledge. What will I learn? You will develop the expertise to understand and evaluate the current and emerging science in global planetary change, natural resource management, ecosystem services, wildlife conservation and sustainability, all embedded within the theme of applied ecological science. You will develop the skills to analyse and monitor diverse ecosystems in the field and design and effectively implement management plans for wildlife conservation. You will also develop skills for employment as well as numerical, digital, qualitative and quantitative techniques to understand the planetary changes and contribute positively to conservation and sustainability. You will gain practical experience and contacts with a variety of organisations through visits, guest speakers and work placements to build networks for future employment. How will I be assessed? Final and in-session assessment will allow you to develop research and study skills as well as technical and expert knowledge. Assessments include written assignments, presentations, project and lab reports, practical based and online portfolios and examinations. Where can I go from here? The transferable skills and deep subject knowledge, along with the industry links and networks you can build with us can enable you to progress within a wide variety of careers that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. Sparsholt graduates now hold positions in wildlife conservation and consultancy, with government bodies such as Natural England and with NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) such as the RSPB. You can progress onto postgraduate study, gain employment with conservation organisations or use your skills to run your own business.

Modules

LEVEL FOUR Global Ecosystems, Science Foundations, Industrial Experience, Habitat and Species Identification, Introductory Ecology, Academic Skills. LEVEL FIVE Conservation Legislation and Policy, Statistics and Research Methods, Conservation Land Management, Applied Ecology, Field Ecology Techniques, Industrial Development. LEVEL SIX Dissertation, Landscape Ecology and Geographic Information Systems, Sustainable Resource Management, Project and Site Management, Global Biodiversity, Professional Industrial Development, Further Statistics.

Assessment method

Final and in-session assessments feature in this programme, allowing you to develop research and study skills as well as technical and expert knowledge. Assessments include completion of a research dissertation, written assignments, presentations, project reports, practical based and online portfolios and examinations.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

29Jan

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:
C185
Institution code:
S34
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Successful completion of a NQF level 4 (Cert HE or HNC) or NQF level 5 (Dip HE, HND or FdSc) in a relevant subject. Please email [email protected].

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available

International applicants

We welcome applications from international students. For further details on the English language requirements, visa requirements and student life, please see our website https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/international/.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Minimum requirement is 80 UCAS tariff points (dependant on qualifications). Students who successfully complete the FdSc may apply to 'top-up' to the BSc. We welcome applications from people with non-standard or international qualifications.

Additional entry requirements

Other

GCSE Maths and English @ Grade C/4 or above (or level 2 equivalents)

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall score of 6.0 with minimum scores of 5.5 in any of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.ielts.org/about-ielts/ielts-for-migration/united-kingdom
Trinity ISEPassPass in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/SELT/UKVI
PTE Academic60Minimum score of 60 or higher in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.pearsonpte.com/selt-tests/pte-academic-ukvi

We will also accept the following qualification: LanguageCert International ESOL SELT - minimum score of 33/50 in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) https://www.languagecert.org/en/uk-visa-exams/study-in-the-uk

Please email [email protected] for details

https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
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

Republic of Ireland £4625 Year 1
England £4625 Year 1
Northern Ireland £4625 Year 1
Scotland £4625 Year 1
Wales £4625 Year 1
Channel Islands £4625 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

www.sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre/additional-costs/

Sponsorship information

If your household income is under £32,960 you could receive a bursary of up to £750 per annum. This can be used to help towards travel costs, books and equipment or anything else that will help you during your course. Depending on the financial information disclosed in your Student Loan application, UCS may make an automatic bursary award based on specific criteria as set out in our Access and Participation Plan. If this is not the case you may still be able to apply for financial support to the UCS HE Hardship fund by completing a Bursary Application Form (available from end of |Term 1). For more information please email [email protected].

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS