UCAS Entry Points
A minimum of 112 UCAS points
The Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology is aimed at those who wish to develop a career in wildlife conservation, and provides a unique combination of academic study with hands-on training and experience in conservation, ecology and wildlife.
The course includes specialist modules and practical experience where students will gain skills and knowledge in such areas as species identification, live trapping techniques, population management, and strategies by which to effectively conserve species and biodiversity.
University Centre Reaseheath is an academic partner of the University of Chester. Foundation degrees, Honours degrees, and Cert Ed are awarded by the University of Chester.
Start Date
September 2021
Course Length
Full-time: 3 years
Work in the field will expand your knowledge on conservation, ecology and wildlife, and there is an opportunity for dissertation work in the final year to include ecological field work. This allows students to work with lecturing staff on relevant unique research experiences.
Please note: Students are based at Reaseheath for the duration of this course. For students wishing to live in, you will live in Halls of Residence at Reaseheath College during your first year.
The course features:
- Ready access to a diverse rural green space across the campus, which boasts a convergent mix of habitat and native wildlife species with which to study.
- Opportunities to engage in meaningful conservation project work within the local community.
- Opportunities to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities including Southern Africa, South America and Europe.
What will I study?
This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career within wildlife conservation, ecology. Students are provided with a unique combination of academic study with practical field work to develop a range of academic and professional skills, with knowledge of wildlife conservation, ecology and related disciplines. Students will be provided with a dynamic learning experience that combines academic study with practical application of themes in conservation and ecology. As a student studying wildlife conservation & ecology, you will have regular access to the Reaseheath estate, which boasts a range of wildlife species with which to study. Additionally, students can expect an interactive and personable learning experience that draws upon the expertise of our team of dedicated staff, with whom students can engage in study through the use of our first class facilities on campus, our community projects, but also via overseas study opportunities.
Students are expected to study and complete 120 credits per year, which comprises six modules of study per academic level/year. All modules in year 1 are mandatory study, to ensure students come away with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to progress onto further study. Conversely, students will have the opportunity to select for certain optional modules in years 2 & 3, to allow for more specific disciplines/subject pathways to be developed.
In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop essential knowledge and skills in wildlife conservation, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, with an emphasis on practical experience. A heavy emphasis at Level 4 study will also be placed on the development of academic skills via regular tutoring with an assigned course manager.
Year 2 (Level 5) sees a shift in emphasis to more academic and research-informed study, including themes in population management, applied research and species rehabilitation. A two-four week (equivalent) work placement* or field course is also included as part of the programme, either within the UK or overseas.
In Year 3 (Level 6), you will continue your studies via more specific pathways that are designed to advance both your academic expertise and professional skills in conservation & ecology. Additionally, students undertaking their final year of study will typically conduct an independent piece of scientific research, to demonstrate competencies in the application of knowledge and research skills.
Modules include:
Level 4
- Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
- Ecological Survey and Census Skills
- Conservation of British Habitats
- Observation Techniques & Data Handling
- Principles of Evolutionary Biology
- Wildlife Ecology
Level 5
- Research Methods
- Population and Community Ecology and Management
- Wildlife Health and Rehabilitation
- Behavioural Ecology*1
- Technological Advancements in Conservation*1
- Marine and Freshwater Habitat Conservation*2
- Animal Ecophysiology*2
- Experiential Learning*3
- Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries*3
*Denotes optional modules. The number corresponds to the combination for selection.
Level 6
- Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation
- Dissertation†
- Biology & Conservation of Mammals*1
- Biology & Conservation of Birds*1
- Biology & Conservation of Herpetofauna*1
- Biology & Conservation of Aquatic Organisms*1
- Scientific Communication & Zoo Education*2
- Marine Ecosystems; Policy & Management*2
- Applications of Animal Behaviour for Conservation*2
- Wildlife in the Media*2
* Denotes optional modules. The number corresponds to the combination for selection.
† Dissertation is a double-weighted module, worth 40 credits. Therefore, only five modules are selected for study at Level 6 (Year 3).
Optional Modules
Please note that availability of optional modules is subject to availability of subject-specialist staff and the recruitment of the minimum viable student number (7 individuals). Should a module not be deemed viable for operation then all students whom selected for that module will be communicated to in writing in advance of the academic year, and will be informed of the alternative options available to select from.
Students will be expected to make their module choices for the following academic year during March/April, via on online module selection service. Confirmation of module selections will be provided via email following approval.
Teaching and Learning
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity, plus field trips. Your actual contact hours may depend on which optional modules you select, but the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each year of the course:
Year 1: 30% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 360 hours
Independent Study: 840 hours
Year 2: 21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 252 hours
Placement: 150 hours
Independent Study: 798 hours
Year 3: 14% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 170 hours
Independent Study: 1030 hours
Class sizes average between 20-30 for modules exclusively delivered on the programme. For those modules offered across several programmes, class size could be as high as 90 individual learners.
Assessment and Feedback
Percentage of course assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:
Year 1
63% coursework
37% written exams
Year 2
78% coursework
22% written exams
Year 3
80% coursework
20% written exams
Feedback is supplied via Turnitin or directly from the module tutor. The majority of submissions are made via Turnitin and feedback for coursework is provided within twenty working days after the submission date.
Written feedback will be supported verbally should the student require clarification. Formative assessment feedback will be provided at the time of completion where possible, with more detailed summative feedback for reports.
Timetable Information
Course Information
Students are given the opportunity to study an optional module at level 5 (yr 2) entitled Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries. Students are expected to source their own placement, and complete a minimum of 100 hours of work, which can be accrued either in a block or cumulatively over weekends and holiday periods. When selecting a placement, students should consider the financial implications associated with accommodation, travel/commuting and the possible need for a Disclosure Barring service (DBS) check, as UCR is unable to subsidise such costs.
*Travel arrangements at your own cost.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of 112 UCAS points from GCE A Levels including a grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology,Environmental Science, Science or Applied Science. Typical offer BCC/BBC
- BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science or equivalent): DMM
- BTEC Diploma (Applied Science or equivalent):D*D*
- OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit profile plus one of the GCE A level subjects listed above
- Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis.
Further study
- MSc Wildlife Conservation or other postgraduate study or professional qualifications.
Career Options
- Native species management
- Wildlife management
- Conservation
- Wildlife trusts
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Wildlife research.
Useful Information
How much will this course cost?
Tuition Fees
As a Higher Education student you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.
Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students, entering University, can be found on the student finance page. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.
If you are an international student or for the latest information on tuition fees visit the student finance page on our website.
Additional Costs
Additional costs may include the purchase of suitable outdoor wear for practical activities, including walking boots, wellington boots, waterproof/windproof coat, waterproof trousers. Additionally, students may wish to purchase a pair of binoculars to assist them with species identification whilst undertaking practicals. A full suggested kit list is available upon request.
Students will be offered the chance to engage in both domestic and overseas learning opportunities with which to enhance their classroom-based learning experience. Here, students will have the option to undertake overseas study for academic credit in year 2 of the programme, or simply participate for experiential purposes. These may include opportunities to study zoological collections in Europe, but also undertaking conservation field courses within locations such as Southern Africa, South America and the UK.
The main emphasis placed on these field courses is the development of professional, industry relevant skills and the application of students’ knowledge in a novel, stimulating, yet challenging environment. Costs associated with the field courses range from £500 – £1000 (UK & Europe), and between £2,200 – £2,800 (South America & Southern Africa). Please note that precise pricing of all field courses is subject to change, pending availability and recruitment.
Additional financial support
University Centre Reaseheath is committed to providing additional financial support to those who need it. To find out about the bursary schemes available visit the additional financial support pages on our website.
Accommodation
All Higher Education students are given the opportunity to apply for residential accommodation. First year students are guaranteed accommodation and this offer is made to all applicants who live more than a reasonable daily travelling distance from Reaseheath and who apply before 31st July of the year they intend to start their course. For full details on our halls of residence visit the accommodation pages.
Student support
We have a team of dedicated professionals on hand to offer you support when and if you need it during your time with us. These include our Student Services team, Higher Education Support Team (HEST), Library and Learning Resources and the Reaseheath Careers Service. You will find more information on the support provided at Reaseheath here.
How do I apply?
Before you apply you can come and visit us at one of our HE Open Events to see what we have to offer. Once we have received your application we will invite you to attend an Offer Holder Day.
Applications for full-time Degrees and Foundation Degrees are made through UCAS. Applications for all other full-time courses such as Access to HE and Level 4 Diplomas should be made directly to Reaseheath via the online application form. You can find out more here.
Student contract
For students to get the best out of their time at University Centre Reaseheath, we must both recognise that we owe obligations to each other. These obligations are set out in our Higher Education Student Contract. Before you accept an offer of a place at University Centre Reaseheath, it is important that you read these contract conditions. If you are going to be living in Halls of Residence, you will also need to read the Student Accommodation Licence Conditions. Both of these contracts can be found here.
Click here to view the University Centre Reaseheath Student Protection Plan.
Despite the hard work needed to complete my degree, it was some of the best years of my life.
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University Centre Reaseheath – Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF
Tel: 01270 613284 | Email: UCR@reaseheath.ac.uk
