Course modules
Year 1
Applied Conservation Science
This module aims to examine current conservation strategies, critically evaluate their effect on biodiversity through research and discussion. The module will investigate the management of ecosystems, the strategies used to conserve them and develop skills in habitat and population management alongside methods for predicting future trends.
Developments in Global Land Use
This module critically evaluates the issues with current global land uses. In particular, it will focus on subjects such as climate change, energy use, water management and soil degradation and how current techniques could be altered to achieve lower impacts. Students will explore the methods by which changes in rural land uses can ameliorate environmental change and point to a more sustainable future.
Research Project (Double module)
This module will provide an opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of the student's own choice which is related to their substantive areas of study. Students will work independently, under limited supervision, in order to develop and demonstrate their academic skills and abilities. The dissertation will normally be based on an academic topic using primary and/or secondary data collection techniques. In both cases academic theory is to be critically evaluated and applied to the research topic.
Applied Ecology and Land Management
This module explores the ways in which ecological principles can be applied to help mitigate some of the crucial ecological problems caused by changes in land use and urban development in the UK. Students will learn about the key ecological principles at the population, community and ecosystem levels, and will then investigate how these principles can help guide management decisions, policy and environmental practice.
Sustainable Livestock Science
Students will explore the advances in the application of scientific research to emerging sustainable extensive and intensive livestock production systems, including water and feed use efficiency, animal nutrition and breeding.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5. Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent. All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning and assessment
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, debates, assignments, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and industry based case studies.
Additional Information: Study trips may be organised to a variety of successful rural enterprises and landscape scale projects in the North West. Farm diversification and commercial energy generation projects may also be visited including wind farms, large scale anaerobic digestion units and biomass plants.
What work experience can I get?: There is no formal industry placement on this course. Through core modules and electives students will gain hands on experience in a variety of scenarios to build skills that can be used in a working environment.
Progression
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for further qualifications such as MSc, M Phil, PhD.
Careers
There is increasing pressure on organisations to build links between agriculture and newer methods of managing the land. The top-up degree is therefore aimed at students who want to pursue careers within organisations such as DEFRA, Environment Agency, Natural England, local planning authorities, Councils, advisory bodies and land management consultancies.
Other opportunities include countryside ranger, ecological surveyor, farm conservation advisor, education officer. Many job opportunities exist within the conservation and commercial sectors, and potential employers include the Environment Agency, River Trusts, Natural England, Local Authorities, National Trust, Canal and Rivers Trust, Wildlife trusts and private consultancy.
Professional accreditations
Students will be encouraged to develop and maintain links with local and national land based organisations such as the National Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, Local Authorities, National Parks and AONBs, River Conservation Trusts and Ecological Consultants.
Special requirements
Extra Costs: Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:
Field trips and visits - £1000 - £1500
Waterproofs and safety boots - £100 - £150