Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Management

Teaching and learning

What you study

This course provides comprehensive training in modern wildlife management techniques and is designed to introduce key concepts of wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainable resource management. Students will develop a broad understanding of the scientific principles required for effective management of our wild flora and fauna, which is increasingly coming under pressure as a result of human activity.

Combined with a sound scientific underpinning students will gain hands-on experience in the techniques of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data for the conservation and management of our wildlife and natural resources.

Field trips

All first year Wildlife students attend the practical ecology field trip as part of their course. The trip provides students with practical 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*.

In Year 4 there is also the option for final year students to attend a residential Field course to Africa in investigate the management, behaviour and conservation practices of key taxon.  Assessment will be in the form of a research project.  Costs are likely to be around £2000

All final year wildlife  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 field work 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 industry accredited course means our students go on to careers in a wide range of areas.

Graduates can expect to find employment in a diversity of sectors revolving around the sustainable land use and management. A range of organisations including local government, large corporations, developers and NGOs such as Wildlife Trusts employ staff with expertise in survey, management and assessment of wildlife populations.

Projects, large and small, require work to mitigate impacts, particularly where protected species and habitats of conservation value are present. An understanding of animal behaviour and welfare, population ecology, field skills, conservation science and underpinning environmental legislation will open up opportunities for graduates from this course. Placements have seen students working with ecological, and planning consultants, the National Trust, and AONB advisors working with farmers to enhance wildlife habitat. Graduates can also expect to find employment within the more traditional countryside management sector in warden and management roles with a focus on ecological management of land and wildlife.