Countryside Conservation Degree at Aberystwyth University

Countryside Conservation degree

With the increasing pressures which we are placing upon the environment the need for countryside conservation has never been greater. Associated with this are a growing number of people employed in conservation of the countryside. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a rewarding career in rural, environmental and countryside conservation. You will study a wide range of subjects through a combination of lectures, visits, study tours and work related assignments. You also have the option to undertake some of your study abroad in an European or American university, to see how environmental and countryside conservation issues may differ from culture to culture. This stimulating course is an essential first step to a career in countryside conservation.

Key features

• Specialisation in nature conservation
• Vocational 3 year full time course
• Skills development
• Continuous assessment
• Optional work experience
• Study tours and visits
• Realism and relevance
• Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive staff
• European and American exchanges

Content and Structure of the Countryside Conservation degree

People working in conservation need an in-depth knowledge of ecology, habitats and habitat management, species conservation and biodiversity. However, it is essential that conservationists also have an underpinning knowledge of allied subjects such as law, planning and landscape. Example subject areas include:

Year 1

Geology and landform; ecology; countryside organisations; habitats; countryside recreation; archaeology; soils; rural economics; agriculture; rural communities. There is also an integrative study tour in  semester 2.

Work Experience

You may take a six-week period of assessed work experience in the vacation between years 1 and 2.

Year 2

Examples of modules include: the management of habitats for wildlife; forestry and woodlands; human impact on the environment; landscape; species surveying techniques; research techniques; planning; countryside law; advanced ICT; and food, farming and the environment.

Year 3

Individual research project; species conservation; global biodiversity; landscape ecology; current conservation issues; the agrienvironment; integrated rural resource management. There is also a week of study visits.

Detailed Course Structure

Assessment 

You will be assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and formal examination. Continuous assessment is in the form of assignments, which are designed to be as realistic as possible and will develop your skills as well as your knowledge. Example assignments include:

• Species survey and monitoring project
• Production of a conservation site management plan
• Landscape assessment and development plan
• Environmental impacts of agriculture
• Development of an environmental web page

Career Opportunities related to your degree in Countryside Conservation 

Graduates from this course have had little difficulty in finding employment in the conservation area. Past students are now employed as Otter project officers, ornithological researchers and as wildlife rangers and wardens. Organisations that will employ students from this course include wildlife trusts, the Forestry Commission, local authorities and national parks. The mixture of theory and practice that this stimulating course provides makes it an ideal gateway into a career in conservation.