Skip navigation
Marine Ecology and Conservation at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS

Course summary

Why choose this degree?

  • Gain the skills and experience needed for a variety of career opportunities in this growing sector
  • Enhance your learning with work placements such as coral research and shark conservation both in the UK and abroad
  • Experience the industry in depth by visiting UK and international fish farms, coastal sites and research centres
  • Develop wide-reaching skills and knowledge in biological science – from physiology to ecology and evolution
  • Be taught by experts in unrivalled on-site facilities, including the 650m² purpose-built Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre (ARCC), the Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre and our own mixed coarse fishery lake.
What makes UCS special? University Centre Sparsholt is recognised worldwide for its expertise in providing education in fishery, aquaculture and marine studies. Our lecturing staff are known to be the experts in the industry and can often be found at conferences and industry forums discussing the latest techniques and their supporting research. Students gain real industry experience on and off-site that is underpinned by the high level of technical lecture content to prepare them for a range of careers or progression to courses at Master’s level. Our industry contacts enable great employment prospects. Typically over 50% of our 3rd year students return from work placements to sit their final exams with jobs already secured for graduation. What will I learn? Marine ecology and conservation systems are studied in depth in this programme as you explore the impact of factors such as coastal developments, over-fishing, non-native species and worldwide climate change. The course includes significant work experience in marine aquaculture, coastal fisheries, marine aquaria and research establishments both at home and abroad. Previous placements range from working in the Cornish Seal Sanctuary or for the Manta Trust in the UK, to Natal Shark Board in South Africa and Malta, whale and dolphin conservation in Tenerife, and Coral Cay Conservation in the Philippines. How will I be assessed? Assessment includes coursework (such as practical portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies and essay style assignments) plus formal exams. Research opportunities are also a feature, often enabling data collection within organisations such as the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority. Where can I go from here? After completing this course, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) Top-up in Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth for third year of study or enter the industry. Sparsholt students now work in national wildlife trusts and marine research

Modules

• LEVEL 4 • Introduction To Marine Ecology • Principles in Aquatic Biology • Marine Conservation Biology • Industrial Experience • Introduction To Marine Fisheries Management • Academic Skills • LEVEL 5 • Aquatic Ecology And Conservation • Population And Ecology • Marine Fish Farming (Optional) • Aquarium Design and Husbandry (optional) • Marine Organisms And Ecosystems • Applied Industrial Research • Industrial Development

Assessment method

Assessment includes coursework (such as practical portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies and essay style assignments) plus formal exams. Research opportunities are also a feature, often enabling data collection within organisations such as the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.

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

Application codes

Course code:
CF17
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

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].

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 64 UCAS tariff points. 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

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £9800 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £9800 Year 1
Channel Islands £9800 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 protected].

Marine Ecology and Conservation at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS