Wildlife Conservation

Three years full-time or flexible part-time.

The course is suitable for those seeking a career related to wildlife conservation in either the public or private sectors, and to those who wish simply to broaden their knowledge in this area. The course explores both the science underpinning biodiversity conservation and the application of that science to conservation management. 

Ecology, the science that considers relationships between living organisms and the environment they inhabit, is an important component of the course. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of natural habitats and how they are managed, while developing skills necessary for evaluating and managing land for its biodiversity conservation value.

Stage one

Students are introduced to a range of basic concepts and theories relating to ecology, biodiversity, the physical environment, sustainability and practical conservation and livestock skills.

Stage two

Habitat ecology and management, environmental law and research methods form the core of the second stage. In addition, there is a choice of modules which allow specialisation in different aspects of pure ecology and applied conservation biology, as well as opportunities for work experience.

Stage three

In the final stage there is a wide choice of modules related to applied aspects of biodiversity conservation, including habitat and species evaluation, ecological survey and consultancy and integrated technologies for land management.

Field, laboratory and practical work are important components of the course. Avenue Campus, with a nature reserve and a large park nearby, and Moulton College, with its extensive estate, have ready access to a variety of habitats. They therefore provide ideal locations for study. Local habitats are used extensively, and there are also opportunities for trips further afield including overseas.

• Opportunities for practical work in the UK and overseas
• Practical expertise in areas such as the use of woodland management, animal survey techniques and geographical information systems
• Work-based components to develop professional skills in the work environment
• The course uses a fully-equipped modern laboratory for practical work such as identifying organisms

• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Ecological Survey and Consultancy
• Ecological Survey Techniques for Fauna  
• Habitat Ecology and Management
• Industrial Study
• Introduction to Ecology

A wide range of assessment is used including field and laboratory reports, oral presentations and time-constrained tests, as well as end-of-year examinations. The first stage is assessed solely by continuous assessment and in the second and third stages the end-of-year examinations comprise less than half of the total assessment.

BSc Wildlife Conservation provides the knowledge and skills necessary for a career related to biodiversity conservation. Graduates from other similar degree programmes at both The University of Northampton and Moulton College have gone on to careers with organisations such as The Environment Agency, Natural England, the Wildlife Trusts and with ecological consultancies and local authorities. Other graduates have gone on to further study, including research degrees.