Centre for Wildlife Conservation at the University of Cumbria
Growing threats to the global environment have resulted in an increasing loss of biodiversity and elevated rates of extinction. Changes in public perceptions and legislation, including a commitment by the EU to halt biodiversity loss, have led to an increased demand for graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage the conservation of animal species and halt the decline in biodiversity. The centre has a dedicated staff, outstanding location, and an enviable record of getting graduates into employment.
We have numerous sites of Special Scientific Interest on our doorstep, ranging from the high Cumbrian fells to ancient woodlands. Cumbria's natural habitats support 25% of all species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and 80% of our coastline in classified as being of international wildlife importance.
Research
The centre has an active research portfolio including work on brown bears in British Columbia, fish and invertebrates on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, butterflies in Borneo, pearl mussels in England and squirrels in Cumbria. We actively collaborate with a wide range of partners such as, the Wildlife Trusts and the Freshwater Biological Association, the Forestry Commission, Marine Scotland Inshore Fisheries, Forest Research and a range of University’s across the world.
Study with us and become part of the solution.
Our courses
BSc Animal Conservation Science
BSc Conservation Biology
BSc Forest and Woodland Conservation
MSc Conservation Biology
6 Reasons to study Conservation at the University of Cumbria:
1. Cumbria is one of the best places to live in England if you are interested in wildlife.
2. All our courses are research-informed. That means they are up-to-date and relevant to the conservation issues of today!
3. Our courses are a dynamic mixture of lectures, tutorials, labs and fieldwork – we have the natural resources on our doorstep, so we utilise them.
4. All our staff are actively engaged in research within their discipline speciality – we practice what we preach.
5. The small class sizes mean that you benefit from the availability and approachability of staff – you are an individual, not just a face in the crowd.
6. Our student employability is very high. Graduates take up a variety of positions regionally, nationally and internationally.