Environmental Land Management

Teaching and learning

What you study

This course will give you comprehensive training in modern environmental management techniques and will introduce you to key concepts of biodiversity, sustainability, ecology and environmental systems.

You will develop a broad understanding of the scientific principles needed to effectively manage our environment, which is coming under increasing pressure as a result of human activities. You will gain hands-on experience of collecting, analysing and interpreting data for the conservation and management of our natural environment.

The strongly vocational nature of this course is supported by field visits to a diverse range of habitats, which include woodlands, nature reserves, conservation areas and other key UK landscapes.

Field trips

All first year ELM students attend the Introduction to Ecology field trip as part of their course. The trip provides students with practical ecological field skills and techniques of quantitative analysis. It normally takes place in May at the Field Studies Council Slapton Ley Field Centre in Devon. This is a seven night residential course, and costs £50*.

All final year ELM students attend a five-night residential field course, currently situated on Anglesey. The course provides students with an opportunity to investigate a real world issue of relevance to the environment and provides advanced data collection, analysis, project management and presentation skills. The trip normally takes place in the autumn term and costs £30*.

*cost includes all meals, accommodation and transport to and from the field centre, and are correct as of the 2018/19 academic year.

Teaching and learning

Here at Harper Adams, we are committed to high standards in teaching and learning. 

Teaching methods include student centred learning, resource based learning, independent project work, all of which is delivered in a variety of formats: including lectures, seminars and tutorials.  In addition to this, research-led learning is encouraged where students can be exposed to relevant research in a number of ways, from learning about the work of others and its relevance to wildlife resource management to conducting their own studies and field experiments.

To further underpin the applied nature of this course visiting speakers from within the sector are used and practical fieldwork and site visits form essential elements in the learning method as they provide the contextual relevance for students to establish the link between theory and practice.

* During the Covid-19 Pandemic the University is delivering blended learning. Government guidance is being constantly reviewed to establish the learning events which can be delivered face to face. Please refer to our frequently asked questions for further details.

Assessment methods

Assessment of student learning is conducted using a variety of methods.  Each course module is assessed by a combination of coursework and an end of year exam.  A part of the assessment process, student feedback forms an important element in the learning process.  All students receive verbal and written feedback on their coursework and exam scripts. 

Example of assessment methods include:

• Time constrained exams
• Flora and fauna Identification test 
• Management plans
• Essays / case studies
• Field reports
• Practical examinations
• Poster presentations

If you need a visa for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you must show evidence that your English Language skills are at B2 level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

This can be demonstrated by obtaining any of the following qualifications for direct entry on to undergraduate, postgraduate or research qualifications:

The breadth and flexibility of this course means our students will have the opportunity of careers in a wide range of areas. Environmental Land Management students at Harper Adams have a strong reputation in the graduate jobs market. This stems from our balanced and up-to-date course structure, good links with the industry and the placement year.

There are many career opportunities in the field of Environmental Land Management including the following examples: Environmental Surveyor and Auditor, Environmental Manager, Forestry Officer, Land-based and Environmental Consultant, Renewable Energy Officer, Countryside Manager, and Environmental Education Officer. Employers in the sector include environment and land-based consultancies, land agents, statutory bodies like the Environment Agency and Natural England, local authorities, National Trust and Wildlife Trusts.