Ecologist (degree) ST0577

Course information

There is a crisis in the ecology sector with too few suitably experienced ecologists to oversee UK biodiversity policies. There is also a need for ecologists to embrace and understand changing priorities and legislation, with significant opportunities for the UK sector to learn from international standards and best practice in ecological restoration.

The Level 7 Ecologist Apprenticeship is designed to provide an accessible work-based learning route as an alternative to a traditional university model, for employers to recruit and develop ecologists in their organisation. At the start of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration we must to do more than mitigate against further ecological deterioration by actively restoring damaged and destroyed habitats to protect and increase biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services - this requires skilled professionals to lead #GenerationRestoration.

The MSc Land and Ecological Restoration embedded within the apprenticeship standard aims to develop a thorough understanding of how to set success criteria and identify restoration priorities, engage stakeholders, plan, implement and monitor programmes of restoration, evaluate the success of activities, and plan aftercare. A significant advantage of the apprenticeship delivery model is the opportunity for enhanced knowledge exchange as apprentices from diverse backgrounds share their experiences with each other, with their tutors, and with their employers. Apprentices at Eden Project Learning will learn from professional UK ecologists and engage with a global community of restoration practitioners. Key principles and standards developed by professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Ecology (CIEEM) and Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) are embedded in the programme to prepare apprentices for professional recognition.

Duration - Typically 2.5 years. Apprentices must complete MSc Land and Ecological Restoration part-time over two years to be eligible for End Point Assessment, which usually takes place within six months of graduation. The MSc is taught as four residential field courses to Cornwall (one week in April / May and one in Sept of each year of the apprenticeship), with a morning of online learning during term-time of the 30 week Higher Education year.

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project offers a diverse range of higher education courses linked to the natural environment, including Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Ecology, and Garden and Landscape Design. With expert instruction and degrees awarded by the University of Plymouth, our programmes provide the perfect opportunity to gain both academic knowledge and practical skills.

As part of your studies, you’ll benefit from access to the Eden Project’s unique biomes, where you can apply your learning in tropical and Mediterranean environments, as well as outdoor garden settings. You’ll also work alongside Eden’s specialist horticulturists and gain hands-on experience. In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to conduct original research using these exceptional facilities, exploring industry-relevant topics to enhance your CV.

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What You Will Learn

Apprentices complete six 20-credit taught modules followed by a substantial 60-credit research project. Taught modules are designed to develop a thorough understanding of the theoretical framework underpinning practical techniques together with the project management and employability competencies necessary to lead and contribute to restoration activities in the UK.

Taught modules include: Planning and Implementing a Restoration Programme, Principles and Practice of Ecological Restoration, Biosecurity and Invasive Species Management, Postgraduate Research Methods, GIS and Survey Techniques, and Wetland Ecosystem and Riparian Restoration. A research project completed in the second year of the apprenticeship provides an opportunity for apprentices to focus on an area of interest shared with their employer, such as trialling and evaluating practical techniques for mitigation or monitoring, reviewing policy and updating organisational procedures and strategy, or developing new best practice methods for engaging stakeholders. The research might take the form of a true experiment or field investigation, a systematic literature review, or social science research involving stakeholders.

Apprentices will be supported throughout their research with 1-to-1 supervision. Apprentices must develop and demonstrate competence in the 26 core areas detailed in the apprenticeship standard (https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/ecologist-degree-v1-0). These include the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work as a fully competent ecologist. In addition, apprentices choose from one of three specialist options and demonstrate competence in another 8 - 10 areas specific to their job role as either an Ecological Scientist, a Landscape Ecologist, or a Consultant Ecologist. For example an Ecological Scientist might work in academia, a research organisation or statutory agency and would produce, review, analyse and disseminate data and information. Specialist competencies place an emphasis on the analysis and presentation of data and how evidence should inform policy development.

A Landscape Ecologist would work in a multidisciplinary team, such as a Local Authority or NGO, using ecological and other data to develop strategies and policies. Specialist competencies include an enhanced focus on spatial analysis and mapping. A Consultant Ecologist may work in a specialist ecological consultancy or a large organisation, such as an engineering company, requiring ecological skills for their core business. Typically, consultants will liaise directly with clients, undertake field-based site investigations, interpret the findings and report these back to the client. Specialist competences include a focus on planning legislation, licensing and statutory requirements such as mitigation and biodiversity net gain.

Entry Requirements

A good honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Candidates with an unrelated Level 6 qualification with work experience in a relevant area are also encouraged to apply.

Additionally, candidates need a minimum Level 2 qualification in English and maths, candidates without Level 2 qualification in English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to end-point assessment.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices.

Assessment

There are two assessments for each of the six 20-credit taught modules of the MSc, followed by a 60-credit research project. The varied and balanced diet of assessment includes case study reports, live employer briefs, individual and group oral presentations, poster presentations, and the production of databases and map outputs. On completion of the MSc, apprentices are eligible for End Point Assessment consisting of a viva (supported by on-programme portfolio), a practical demonstration, and a report and presentation. End Point Assessment is conducted by an approved organisation external to the training provider; currently the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Progression

On completion, apprentices will be fully competent ecologists able to work in a wide range of organisations including, ecological consultancy, local authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations, government agencies, and research. Graduates may be able to progress to more senior roles with their employer and will be well prepared to undertake a PhD. On completion, apprentices will be eligible for the appropriate level of membership of several professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER).

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

In partnership with the Eden Project, we’ve created a unique suite of university-level programmes that align with Eden’s mission to make the world a better place. Delivered by expert trainers from Cornwall College, these programmes are taught within Eden’s unique learning environment, offering students not only an academic education but also practical, hands-on experience at this globally renowned visitor attraction and garden. Our degrees, awarded by the University of Plymouth, provide an unparalleled blend of theory and real-world application. Discover more at our upcoming Open Day!

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