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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)
This is a full-time single honours programme within the Conservation subject area.
Key facts
- Subject area: Conservation
- Award: BSc (Hons)
- Code: CD14
- Location: Canterbury
- Honours: Single
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Duration: 3 years
- Start: 2013
- Year in industry: No
- Year abroad: No
- Institution(s): University of Kent
Overview
The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) in the School of Anthropology and Conservation at Kent is a leading international research and training centre dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems around the world. DICE was founded in 1989 with a clear mission: to break down the barriers between the natural and social sciences in order to inform progressive approaches to conservation. Thats why we are in a School that also includes anthropology. One component of DICE's work is to train a new, interdisciplinary generation of conservationists who think innovatively about the challenges that lie ahead. As undergraduates, you are part of a dynamic and growing community of conservationists whose work spans all major regions of the world.
DICE offers two undergraduate programmes: a BSc programme in Wildlife Conservation and a BA in Environmental Studies. The BSc in Wildlife Conservation provides comprehensive training in natural science aspects of conservation (including genetics, ecology, wildlife management and species reintroductions) together with training in the human dimensions of conservation (for example, environmental economics, international biodiversity regulation, the politics of climate change and work with rural communities). The programme includes a significant lab and field-based component. Additionally, there is an opportunity to conduct a research project at home or abroad at the end of the second year. Recent locations include South Africa, Russia and the Peruvian Amazon.
Modules
Stage 1
Core modules- Biodiversity
- Environmental Issues: Social Science Approaches
- The Green Planet
- Skills for Anthropology and Conservation
- Options
There is a wide range of optional modules, including the following:
- Animals, People and Plants
- Skills for Wildlife Conservation and Management
- Surveying and Monitoring for Biodiversity.
Stage 2/3
Core modules- Conceptual Frameworks in Conservation Science
- Conservation Social Science
- Conservation Biology: Methods and Research Design
- Contemporary Conservation Science
- GIS/Advanced Techniques in Conservation Ecology
- Research Project (30 credits)
There is a range of modules available including:
- Climate Change and Conservation
- Global Biodiversity
- Human Wildlife Conflict
- International Biodiversity Regulation
- Landscape Ecology
- Practical Guiding and Interpretation
- Primate Behaviour and Ecology
- Species Conservation
- Wildlife Management.
Teaching and assessment
In addition to lectures, there are laboratory practicals and we incorporate field trips. You also have an opportunity to conduct a field-based research thesis in your final year. This gives you practical experience of developing a research proposal and research questions, finding appropriate methods, conducting research, analysing and interpreting results, writing up a full research project and giving an oral presentation. We offer you the opportunity to conduct your research project either in the UK or abroad – for example, many students have taken part in the annual expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Most modules are assessed by 50% coursework and 50% unseen exam. Some modules are assessed only by coursework, which takes a variety of forms, including essays, short answer tests, laboratory reports, individual and team projects, field reports, commentaries, management plans and statistical analyses.
Careers
The conservation and environmental sector is an expanding area for employment opportunities. Wildlife Conservation graduates go into many kinds of work, ranging from technical posts involving ecological surveying, habitat management and species conservation to work with local people through environmental education and community extension to jobs in planning and policy. Potential employers include local, regional and national UK government departments, voluntary organisations and the private sector, as well as international conservation and environmental organisations. Many also go on to postgraduate studies.
For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability
Entry requirements
Offer levels
ABB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points overall OR 16 points at Higher, inc HL English A1/A2/B at 4/5/5 or SL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6.
Required subjects
A level natural science (eg, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography) grade B, IB Diploma Mathematics at 4 and HL Biology, Geography, Environmental Science or Chemistry at 5 or SL Biology, Geography, Environmental Science or Chemistry at 6. GCSE English Language and Mathematics grade C.
In exceptional circumstances, we may consider promising candidates who do not have the formal entrance requirements but who have obtained several years' relevant experience or other qualifications in the subject area.
Further information
School
Enquiries:
T: +44 (0) 1227 827272
Key Information Sets
The Key Information Set (KIS) data (right) is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme. Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.
If you have any queries about a particular programme, please contact information@kent.ac.uk