BSc (Honours) Environmental Conservation
UCAS code
F912Attendance
Full-time
Three years full-time or four years full-time (including one year work placement or year of study abroad)At a glance
The state of the environment is a global political issue, and there is a growing demand for ecological consultants and environmental managers. Make a difference to the world around you by pursuing a career managing landscapes and wildlife in the rapidly expanding conservation industry. You learn from respected industry figures and gain experience by applying what you have learnt with placements in the UK and overseas.
Key points
Learn from lecturers with links to industry and national conservation bodies.
Take the opportunity to study abroad.
Develop your skills and CV by completing a one-year placement with an organisation.
Take part in field visits to national parks and industrial areas in the UK and abroad.
What is environmental conservation?
This course is for people interested in the conservation of wildlife and landscapes, in both urban and rural areas. Environmental conservation is the active management required to conserve habitats and landscapes for their own sake and for the natural services that they provide, both to human society and for the Earth.
About this course
This course is for people who recognise that the Earth's resources are finite and want to actively take part in the developing global agenda for conservation of healthy environments. It provides the professional skills and knowledge that you need to take advantage of the increasing need for graduates with the ability to evaluate and manage sites for nature conservation.
You study the policies and principles behind the integration of potentially conflicting land uses, both globally and locally. You also consider the benefits to society and individuals of contact with nature, and explore how we can encourage more people to enjoy and care for the environment.
The interdisciplinary nature of this subject encourages an understanding of principles from the natural and the social sciences. You develop analytical and professional skills needed for a career in ecology and nature conservation areas.
Many of the lecturers have worked in nature conservation or landscape management and retain strong links with the industry, and some sit on the committees of national and local conservation bodies including Natural England, the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and the Peak District National Park Authority. That means course material is kept up to date and you benefit from their practical experience and up-to-date knowledge.
Field visits and project work are frequently at sites in and around Sheffield, the Peak District National Park and across the UK. There are also opportunities to take week-long residential field-courses in Central Europe and on the Mediterranean Coast.
You can also attend a work-based learning placement during year two, either locally or overseas. This is an excellent opportunity to increase your industry knowledge and your employability after you graduate.
You can then further develop your industry experience with an optional one year work placement. We help you find your placement with companies in the UK and overseas. You can apply for placements with organisations such as Peak District National Park Wildlife trusts Natural England National Trust local government development agencies and consultancies.
You might choose to widen your international horizons even further, with opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities. If you study at a partner university in the EU, Erasmus grants are available.
Key areas of study
Key areas include ecological processes wildlife and landscape management past, present and future human environmental influences and concerns the causes and impacts of climate change field survey skills trends and expectations in the human use of landscapes for leisure, industry and conservation environmental law and policy sustainable development.
Associated careers
This course prepares you for a growing demand in the UK and overseas for trained professionals in this sector.
Previous graduates have found careers in public, private and voluntary organisations including consultant ecologist warden with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Trust community project officer with wildlife trusts and local authorities nature reserve warden countryside ranger in national parks ecologist with Moors for the Future.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Landscape Institute (landscape management category) and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
Course content
Year one core modules
introduction to ecology and biodiversity environmental issues the human effect understanding landscapes
Year one options
One from earth and environmental sciences physical geography planning and design foreign language
Year two core modules
research methods wildlife and landscape survey conservation ecology environmental law and planning
Year two options
One from environmental field project (a residential field trip in central Europe) environmental education and communication geographical information systems short work placement sport, leisure and tourism foreign language
Year three
optional work placement or year of study abroad
Final year core modules
environmental applications conservation management environmental analysis and assessment dissertation
Final year options
One from atmospheric and water quality people and environment Mediterranean coastal environments (a residential field trip in Croatia) environmental impact assessment and management systems advanced geographical information systems urban design foreign language
Assessment
coursework examinations
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language and mathematics. We do not accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
260 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award, preferably including study of a science-based subject including biology, chemistry or physics, ICT, environmental science, geology, construction or computing. We accept AS levels and general studies and will consider Key Skills.
Access at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course
If English is not your first language you need an IELTS average score of at least 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in all skills.
We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
2013 entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language and mathematics. We do not accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
260 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award, preferably including study of a science-based subject including biology, chemistry or physics, ICT, environmental science, geology, construction or computing. We accept AS levels and general studies and will consider Key Skills.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of professional bodies and mandatory UK field trips are included in the course fee.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk