BSc (Hons) - Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Integrated Foundation Year)

How you will learn

Our approach to learning and teaching recognises each student as an individual; as a student at the University of Cumbria, you will be part of an inclusive and diverse learning community. You will have opportunities to interact with others in an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and active learning environment, so you can explore complex issues, positively challenge assumptions and reflect on ways of thinking.

You will be supported in adapting to university life through a vibrant induction week programme, personal tutorials, personal development planning and a wide range of student support services. Course materials and other resources are available digitally through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard Ultra.

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used to reflect the variety of individual learning styles that inevitably exist within a group, so that you will experience teaching methods best suited to your own preferred learning style. Methods are designed to support the move to autonomy and independent learning as you progress through your programme, and includes lectures, practical classes, tutorials, seminars, problem-based learning, fieldwork, research-informed teaching and directed independent study.

How you will be assessed

Our assessment strategy has been developed to be in line with the University’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy and the Curriculum Design Framework. The overarching consideration is to provide authentic and inclusive assessments, which develop your skills and knowledge while equipping you for graduate employment, regardless of your background or learning style.

Assessments will therefore often mirror the type of work you will encounter in your future career and may include: 

• Laboratory reports
• Field projects
• Computer-based assessments
• Problem solving activities
• Critical analysis of case studies
• Creative oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
• Dissertation research
• Peer and self-assessment
• Group work

Career Outcomes

Jobs that relate directly to an Ecology and Wildlife Conservation degree include:
Academic (conservation professional)
Animal handler
Biodiversity consultant
Climate scientist
Conservation adviser/partnership coordinator
Countryside ranger
Ecological consultant
Ecology and monitoring officer
Ecosystem restoration officer
Environmental assessor
Environmental consultant
Environmental educator
Field technician
GIS technician
Government adviser
Habitat restoration manager
Hydrologist
Marine biologist
Pollution manager
Project officer with NGOs such as Wildlife Trusts, WWF, RSPB, etc.
Public engagement officer
Research assistant
Scientific researcher (MSc, PhD and postdoctoral)
Water resource manager
Wildlife reserve manager
Zookeeper

Jobs where an Ecology & Wildlife Conservation degree can be a useful route of entry include:
Blue-green entrepreneur
Environmental writer/journalist
Renewable technologist
Research scientist
Sustainability adviser
Teacher

Typical employers could include:
Campaigning organisations (Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Marine Conservation Society, WWF)
National Conservation NGOs (British Ecological Society, The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, The Rivers Trust, RSPB, Mammal Society, BugLife)
Government agencies (Natural England, Nature Scot, Forestry Commission, JNCC, MMO, Environment Agency, Office for Environmental Protection, local councils, national parks)
International conservation organisations (IUCN, FAO, WWF, Plantlife International)
Private conservation organisations and charities

Tuition Fees

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Additional Costs

There may be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

Books and Journals

The University library holds copies of the core textbooks and scientific journals required for the programme, including many as ebooks and digital journals, accessible online.

Stationery

You will need to provide your own stationery, printing and other basic materials whilst on your course. We recommend you arrive with stationery for your own personal use (pens, paper and folders, etc.). You will also need a field notebook and an A4 hard backed laboratory notebook. Printing credits can be purchased online through the Student Dashboard.

Clothing and Equipment

Essential equipment includes a waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, warm hat and gloves, well fitted wellington boots, a rucksack for day use (ideally with waterproof cover), other outdoor clothing e.g. thermals, fleeces, socks, walking trousers, etc. You may also wish to bring a Thermos flask, water bottle and lunchbox for field trips and your own binoculars. Bear in mind that you are coming to study in Ambleside where there are many great outdoor shops that offer student discounts. You may wish to wait until you arrive to purchase some of these items.

Other

The University provides access to desktop computers on campus and there are laptops available in the Barn for students to sign out and use. These are all equipped with appropriate software, but if you wish to bring your own hardware, you can install key software and apps for use on your own devices through the IT Service Desk. Many students also use their smartphones and tablets to support their studies.