MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Biology (With Sandwich Year)
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Biology (With Sandwich Year) at the University of Gloucestershire offers an immersive and practical approach to understanding and addressing the critical challenges of biodiversity loss in our world today. Recognizing that Earth is experiencing a sixth mass extinction event largely driven by human activities, this program is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to global conservation efforts, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The "sandwich year" component is a key feature, offering students the invaluable opportunity to spend their third year on a professional placement, gaining real-world experience and enhancing their employability. The program is known for its small class sizes, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. A distinctive aspect of this course is its unique lens, examining the complex interplay between wildlife disease, animal behavior, wildlife crime, and human-wildlife conflict.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Biology is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles and their application to conservation. While the specific modules may be subject to change, typical areas of study include the fundamentals of ecology, biodiversity and evolution, animal physiology, and essential research methods in biology. As students progress, they delve into more specialized areas directly relevant to conservation, such as the monitoring and management of habitats and species, conservation in captivity, and the pressing issue of wildlife crime. The program emphasizes practical and field-based learning, with opportunities for field research training in the UK. Crucially, the assessment is entirely coursework-based, providing a holistic evaluation of students' understanding and practical abilities, which are highly valued by future employers and for postgraduate studies.
Research Focus: The University of Gloucestershire's Biosciences group, which houses the Wildlife Conservation Biology program, demonstrates a commitment to research that addresses real-world ecological and conservation challenges. While specific details on the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Biology program's dedicated research focus are integrated within the curriculum (e.g., through a final year dissertation), the wider biosciences department is involved in diverse research projects. Examples of broader research interests within the university's biosciences include the study of plant life, understanding the impacts of environmental changes, and investigations into animal behavior and ecology. The program's emphasis on research skills development, including a dedicated "Research: Skills & Proposal" module, prepares students to potentially contribute to or undertake their own conservation-focused research.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Biology (With Sandwich Year) program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. The "sandwich year" is a testament to this, providing a structured period for students to gain professional experience within a relevant organization in the conservation sector. Beyond the placement year, the program aims to provide practical, field-based learning opportunities both in the UK and potentially overseas. Previous information suggests opportunities for overseas field research in locations such as the African savannah and the tropical rainforests of Borneo, undertaken with a sustainable and proportionate travel approach. The university as a whole also highlights its "UoG Connections Promise," aiming to connect students with a wide range of placement opportunities and fostering a network with potential employers through guest speakers and networking events. The fact that a high percentage of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation further underscores the university's success in preparing students for the professional world.
Global Perspective: The program inherently adopts a global perspective on wildlife conservation, recognizing that biodiversity loss is a worldwide issue requiring international cooperation and understanding. The curriculum addresses global challenges in conservation, and the opportunity for overseas field research or placements significantly enhances the global outlook of the students. By offering experiences in diverse ecosystems such as the African savannah and the rainforests of Borneo, the program provides students with a firsthand understanding of conservation challenges and practices in different parts of the world. This international exposure, combined with the program's alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, ensures graduates are prepared to contribute to conservation efforts on a global scale, whether working internationally or applying a global understanding to local issues.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation Biology (With Sandwich Year) program from the University of Gloucestershire are well-positioned to embark on a variety of rewarding and impactful careers dedicated to the protection and management of the natural world. The program's strong emphasis on practical skills, field experience, and a comprehensive understanding of conservation challenges, significantly enhanced by the "sandwich year" placement, makes these graduates highly employable.
Field Ecologist: Graduates can work as field ecologists, conducting surveys, monitoring wildlife populations, and assessing the health of ecosystems for conservation organizations, government agencies, or environmental consulting firms. The program's strong focus on field research training directly prepares students for this role.
Conservation Officer: Working for a conservation charity or government body, Conservation Officers are involved in the practical management of nature reserves, the implementation of conservation projects, and engaging with local communities to promote biodiversity. The program's curriculum covering habitat and species management is particularly relevant here.
Wildlife Biologist: This role involves researching the behavior, populations, and habitats of different wildlife species to inform conservation strategies. The program's modules on animal behavior, ecology, and research methods provide a solid foundation for this scientific career path.
Environmental Consultant (Ecology Focus): Environmental consultancies employ graduates to assess the ecological impact of development projects and advise on mitigation strategies to minimize harm to wildlife and their habitats. The program's understanding of human-environment interactions is valuable in this field.
Ecological Educator/Communicator: Graduates passionate about sharing their knowledge can work in education, either in formal settings or for conservation organizations, raising awareness about wildlife conservation issues through presentations, workshops, and outreach programs. Strong communication skills honed during the degree will be beneficial.
Park Ranger/Wildlife Ranger: Working in national parks or protected areas, rangers are involved in the day-to-day management of the area, including monitoring wildlife, maintaining trails, enforcing regulations, and educating visitors. The program's field experience is highly relevant to this hands-on role.
Wildlife Rehabilitator: For those with a strong interest in animal welfare, working in wildlife rehabilitation centers to rescue, treat, and release injured or orphaned animals is a possible path. While the degree provides biological understanding, further specialized training might be beneficial.
Research Technician/Assistant: Graduates can contribute to scientific research projects at universities, research institutions, or within conservation organizations, providing technical support for data collection, analysis, and laboratory work. The program's research skills training is a direct asset.
Policy Advisor/Advocate (Environmental/Conservation): With a deeper understanding of conservation issues, some graduates may move into roles influencing policy at local, national, or international levels, working for NGOs or government bodies to advocate for stronger wildlife protection measures.
International Conservation Worker: The program's global perspective and potential for overseas experience open doors to working on conservation projects internationally with a variety of organizations addressing global biodiversity challenges.
