BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation degree (including sandwich year)

Course information

“We have a moment where we can change our world and make it better. This is that moment…”

Extinction: the facts.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) strives for global cooperation in support of biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. You can be part of the next generation of graduates equipped with a detailed understanding of the natural world and our place within it, who will we be able to make progress towards the vision agreed by world governments for 2050, ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’.

The BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation is a full-time three-year course has been designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation, but equally equips you with knowledge relevant to the environmental sustainability of all areas of society and business. With the increasing environmental challenges faced by society, there has never been a more relevant time to study zoology and conservation.

This programme has been specifically designed to ensure our graduates are equipped with the theoretical background and industry-specific skills needed to be successful in the conservation sector, as well as transferable skills relevant to professional success in a wider context. Students also complete a minimum of 100 hours of work experience to ensure they gain relevant on the job training and continue to develop their professional practice and skills.

The course is delivered at Newquay University Centre which is ideally located for field-based observation, with terrestrial and marine sites including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) such as Trevose Head and Bedruthan Steps, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) including Breney Common and Goss and Tregoss Moor (JNCC 2014), and newly designated Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) including Newquay and the Gannel. We also provide opportunities to join international field trips to, for example, Honduras and Borneo, to gain field experience and network with academics and field staff from all over the world (additional fee applicable).

The BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation is a full-time four-year programme with a placement year between Stages 2 and 3. It has been designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation, but equally equips graduates with knowledge relevant to the environmental sustainability of all areas of society and business. With the increasing environmental challenges faced by society, there has never been a more relevant time to study zoology and conservation.

The placement year will take place between years 2 and 3, requiring a total of 26 weeks on placement with either a single or multiple relevant employers/organisations. During the placement year you will need to conduct an independent research project and will be supported in the lead up to the placement and throughout by a placement year supervisor. The research conducted as part of the placement year project cannot be used for the Honours Project in Year 3.

Download BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology & Conservation Programme Specification (2022-23) at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BSc-Hons-Applied-Zoology-Conservation-Programme-Specification-2022-23.pdf  

What You Will Learn

Indicative Modules Year 1:

Hygiene, Health & Welfare of Captive Animals
Fundamentals of Biology
Field Survey Techniques
Animals & their Environment
Diversity, Classification & Evolution
Key Professional Skills


Indicative Modules Year 2:

Vertebrate Zoology & Conservation
Population Genetics & Community Ecology
Zoological Conservation in Practice
Global Conservation Issues
Research Methods & GIS for Zoology

Options (choose one)
Primate Behavioural Ecology and Conservation
Advanced Ecology and Survey Techniques
Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation


Indicative Module Year 3:

Placement Project

Indicative Modules Year 4:

Honours Projects
Conservation Genetics
Conservation Project Management
Applications of Zoology

Options (choose one)
Zoology & Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems
Monitoring Marine Ecosystems
Wildlife Conservation

Entry Requirements

80 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 32 points must be at A2-level) or relevant level 3 qualification, ie BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - MMP Grades required (specific unit grades may be requested)

Access to HE Diplomas in a relevant subject - 45 credits at level 3 (specific unit grades may be requested). Plus GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language, Science and Mathematics: alternatives at Level 2 may be considered.

Mature applicants with relevant experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered individually and are encouraged to apply.

Assessment

Assessments are varied and industry relevant to help students develop a wide range of transferrable skills, but include: reports, essays, projects, presentations, posters, podcasts and video presentations, tests and exams. In the final year, students undertake an Honours research project which allows them to specialise in an area of research of particular interest to them.

Progression

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to go directly into employment in a range of organisations within the zoological and conservation sectors. For example, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Woodlands Trust, Natural England or the Environment Agency, international NGOs.

Types of roles may include: Communications or Education Officer, Wildlife or Development Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Wildlife or Reserve Warden, Project Officer or Manager, Advisor or Consultant Ecologist, Environment Officer, Research Technician, Field Researcher.

Alternatively, graduates may often choose to move onto postgraduate study (some example progression routes are illustrated below.

• PGCE or CertEd
• MSc Zoo Conservation Biology at University of Plymouth
• MSc Sustainable Environmental Management at University of Plymouth
• MSc Conservation & Biodiversity at the University of Exeter
• MSc Conservation Science & Policy at the University of Exeter

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College is a small but vibrant campus specialising in university level courses focussing on the environment. For over 20 years, we have inspired hundreds of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide. Our dedicated higher education campus is home to the marine science, zoology and surf stars of the future.

Championing #generationrestoration, this campus may be small, but its students and staff have a big impact on our planet and its future wellbeing. Likeminded individuals come together to undertake international, award-winning research, meaning when their incredible time at Newquay is done, they move onto fantastic and important careers.

It’s why you should definitely consider Newquay University Centre Cornwall College for your #careercollege experience.

Find out more about studying at Newquay

Find out more about our Newquay campus

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