BSc

Wildlife Conservation (with integrated year in industry)

Wildlife Conservation (with integrated year in industry) Code C184 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2022

Key Facts

C184

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    4 years

Further details on entry requirements

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In an era of unprecedented global change, the need to conserve biodiversity has come to the forefront of both research and policy. Global biodiversity is facing a range of emerging threats, including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and the introduction of invasive species. At Aberystwyth University, the BSc Wildlife Conservation (with integrated year in industry) will interest those who wist to take a holistic approach that covers all aspects of wildlife conservation and at the same time exploring background scientific knowledge and ecological concepts applied to the conservation of endangered flora, fauna and habitats then this is the course for you. The opportunity to undertake a work experience will allow you to experience the industry and give you a head start in this industry upon graduation. 

Course Overview

Why study Wildlife Conservation at Aberystwyth University?

  • Our research is ranked in the top 10 in the UK and 78% of it is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2014).
  • This course will allow you to explore the political, financial, and social forces that underlie wildlife conservation and environmental management.
  • You will be taught by academics who work closely with conservation bodies to inform and advise best-practice conservation, management and policy. They also carry out practical work in the landscape around Aberystwyth.
  • Undertake an integrated year in industry that is assessed and will count towards your final degree classification. Note that students must organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability and that it must be relevant to Wildlife Conservation. If students cannot secure a placement they are required to transfer to BSc Wildlife Conservation (C183).
  • Although work experience may not be paid. Students will pay a discounted fee during your year in industry. Full details available here.
  • As a student, you will enjoy the unrivalled wildlife and countryside: Aberystwyth is a stone's throw away from many internationally recognised habitats, including UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, two RAMSAR wetlands, two marine special areas of conservation, two National Nature reserves, several sites of special scientific interests to name but a few, providing you with fabulous fieldwork and recreational opportunities. 
Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2022

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Climate and Climate Change BR10620 20
Ecology BR13510 10
Evolution and the Diversity of Life BR14310 10
Introduction to Conservation BR10110 10
Introduction to Palaeobiology BR16510 10
Study and Communication Skills BR12410 10
The Biosphere BR13210 10
The Development and Management of British Habitats BR10810 10
The Green Planet BR13610 10
Wildlife Forensics BR15720 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Biological Thought and Discovery BR12510 10
Comparative Animal Physiology BR14110 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
An Introduction to Landscape Ecology and Geographic Information Systems BR25520 20
Marine Biology BR22620 20
Wildlife Management BR27220 20
Research Methods BR27520 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Aquatic Conservation BR26220 20
Climate Change: Plants, Animals and Ecosystems BR21120 20
Ecological Surveying BR21420 20
Ethology BR21620 20
Freshwater Biology BR22020 20
Tropical Zoology Field Course BR23820 20
Tropical Rainforest Ecology and Conservation BR24020 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Integrated Year in Industry BRS0060 60

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Career prospects

Graduates on this course benefit from both the scientific and policy aspects that underlie wildlife conservation. Students on this course could enter several organisations involved in conservation biology or general environmental management, such as: 

  • Natural Resources Wales
  • Wildlife Trusts
  • The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
  • RSPB
  • National Trust
  • The Environment Agency
  • Local authority departments
  • NGOs
  • This course also permits students to undertake further research studying on any of our MSc, PhD and PGCE courses. 

The University has an excellent Careers Advisory Service and we have our own dedicated, professional Careers Advisor. We also have a member of staff who is Director of Employability for IBERS and we are constantly striving to embed and enhance the delivery of real-world skills into every module we offer.

What skill will I develop from studying Wildlife Conservation?

Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with the skills including; 

  • Research and data analysis skills
  • Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • A thorough grounding in information technology skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
  • Self-motivation and self-reliance
  • Team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching an agreement.

Your year in industry:

Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

  • apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
  • make industry contacts;
  • develop practical skills related to your area of study;
  • apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
  • enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding the work experience. However, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.

Course Content

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

In the first year, you may gain a broad knowledge of the key underlying concepts relevant to conservation biology which includes:

  • Evolution and diversity of organisms
  • Habitats and ecosystems

In the second year, you may be introduced to aspects of wildlife conservation, which include:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Conservation
  • Relevant policy
  • Statistical analyses and experimental design
  • Aquatic systems
  • Animal behaviour
  • Policy and Management based aspects of conservation.

In your third year you will undertake your work experience in an industry that is relevant to the field of Wildlife Conservation. 

In your final year you could:

  • address conservation at both local and global scales
  • be required to undertake and finish a dissertation through independent programme of research under the guidance of a supervisor.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in the format of lectures and seminars. The course will include tutorials, case studies, laboratory practicals and fieldwork for research purposes.

You will be assessed through course work, exams and presentations.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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