Have a passion for nature conservation?
This course is also available part time and as a foundation degree.
START DATE: Monday 16 September (first year students)
Merrist Wood is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey, with a wide range of animal care courses. It was awarded a zoo licence in June 2018, allowing it to share its collection of exotic animals, some of which are of conservation importance, with the wider community. The College has wide links with industry and tuition is by highly qualified and experienced tutors who will ensure you gain the best possible grounding in your chosen career.
This programme provides you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of ecology, habitat management as well as conservation science, policy and practice. Underpinning theory is delivered in the classroom, but the College’s extensive grounds are used to provide experience in ecological survey and assessment, including in woodland, wetland and grassland habitats. Learning is reinforced through visits to local protected or restored sites owned and managed by voluntary and statutory bodies. There are also opportunities to study or work with captive animals in our Animal Management Centre.
During this course you will benefit from the following:
- Taught by expert, passionate tutors with industry experience.
- Extensive grounds which include ancient woodland, species rich grassland and wetland areas. Rich fauna, including protected species of bats and amphibians.
- Friendly learning environment with small class sizes and excellent student support.
- Merrist Wood College is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey
- Animal Management Centre including facilities such as a desert biome, tropical biome and nocturnal room.
- Industry experience provides an invaluable opportunity to work in a variety of settings to support your chosen career path.
Course duration: 1 year. This course can also be taken on a part-time basis over 2 years.
Tuition Fees
Home/EU* Fee for September 2024 entry: £8,000 per year
Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.
*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:
- you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
- you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue
Additional costs include:
Optional trips for work experience, especially if you wish to volunteer overseas, as some of our previous students have done. Additional printing over and above the £10 allowance provided by the college, and the cost of books that you might wish to purchase.
We strongly recommend purchasing a laptop to support you in your studies on the course.
If you need any further information or guidance, please contact us at HE@activatelearning.ac.uk
What you'll learn
PROGRAMME MODULES
- Conservation technologies and science communication
- Behavioural ecology
- Creating sustainable futures
- Research project
All students are supported with academic development and you will have access to a personal tutor.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Throughout the course you will be able to research chosen topics and species of interest for your assessments enabling you to focus on subject areas that you wish to specialise in, and link to career aspirations. Each module will be assessed with 2-3 pieces of work. These could include academic poster creation, conference style presentations, written exams, reports, seminars, media article design, portfolios, video productions, case studies and a dissertation.
Academic skills support is available throughout the year to help you prepare for this range of assessments, including exam preparation.
Progression
Continue your studies with a masters degree in a range of specialist areas or apply for membership of professional bodies including the Zoological Society of London, Institute of Biology or the British Ecological Society and attend further courses.
This programme can lead to a wide range of careers within wildlife conservation and ecology, in areas of wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Roles include but are not limited to wildlife conservation officer, wildlife biologist and countryside warden/park ranger
Entry requirements
Wildlife and Conservation Foundation Degree (or suitable equivalent subject) with a minimum Pass profile. Plus a minimum of Grade C at GCSE for English, maths and science.
A minimum IELTS score of 6 /TOEFL equivalent is required for those for whom English is not their first language.
Additional information
If you would like to discuss anything, or require information regarding International fees, please Book a Call
You are advised to ensure that anti-tetanus protection via a course of injections or booster is up to date prior to the commencement of the course. You should also ensure that you have adequate clothing for outdoor work in inclement weather. Fees shown are per year. Please contact the College if you require further information, on 01483 88 40 40.
Our full terms and conditions of enrolment can be found on our website:http://www.gcgrp.net/CharterPolicies/EnrolmentTermsandConditions.aspx
The academic regulations for this programme can be found on the University’s website.
Merrist Wood offers accommodation for new and existing full-time students who wish to live in our halls.
How to apply
Applicants should apply online through the Activate Learning website.