FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation
This course is open for applications
Page last updated 1 March 2023
Introduction
We're the only university to offer a FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation foundation degree in partnership with a working zoo, learning from conservation scientists with real-world experience.
Accreditations and partnerships:
Why study integrated wildlife conservation?
By taking a biological approach to studying wildlife conservation, we can get a deeper understanding of our relationship with wildlife and the impact of our actions on it.
Studying conservation at this level gives you a springboard into further study, and a variety of interesting conservation careers.
Why UWE Bristol?
FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation is particularly relevant if you're attracted to a career in conservation but haven't considered university before.
You'll get a recognised qualification in wildlife conservation after two years and can take your study to degree level by doing the one-year BSc(Hons) Integrated Wildlife Conservation top-up at UWE Bristol.
Gain the practical skills and knowledge to work in wildlife conservation, and play a positive role in helping to solve our planet's conservation challenges.
Study in Bristol, home to the BBC's world-renowned Natural History Unit, and a recognised hub for environmental organisations and projects.
Gain invaluable learning experience with Bristol Zoo and where possible, participate in diverse conservation projects and fieldwork both in the UK and overseas.
We encourage you to apply for volunteering roles in the holidays, to add extra weight to your CV.
We are pleased to inform you that Bristol Zoological Society plans to expand by moving from the Bristol Zoo Gardens site, which is now closed to the public, to their Wild Place location in the next few years. This relocation will enable their team to develop future facing wildlife conservation projects and education facilities. This puts UWE Bristol in the unique position of being co-creators of this state-of-the-art facility, providing exciting new opportunities for you as a wildlife conservation student.
2023 is a hugely exciting moment for students to join this degree, as they will learn at the Conservation Education Centre at Bristol Zoo Gardens where Bristol Zoological Society's world-renowned Field Conservation and Science Department are based, as well as at Wild Place Project for the first time. Even though Bristol Zoo Gardens is now closed to the public, students will learn behind their closed doors, and have the zoo to themselves to study. Students will also see first-hand how the new Bristol Zoo is being created a truly unique learning opportunity.
Watch this short film to learn more about studying with Bristol Zoological Society.
Where can it take me?
This course is excellent preparation for local, national and international careers in conservation.
Around 90 percent of our graduates continue to do their full BSc(Hons) degree in Integrated Wildlife Conservation. This allows you to study a range of contemporary topics in depth, including Primate Conservation, Wildlife Film and Media, and Science Communication, while developing your research skills through your research project.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
Year one
You will study:
- Ecology and Environmental Systems
- Wildlife Biology
- Wildlife and People
- Professional Work Skills.
Year two
You will study:
- Conservation Biology
- Animal Behaviour for Wildlife Conservation
- Effective Communication for Conservation
- Integrating Sustainable Development and Conservation
- Work and Research Skills.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
Learning and Teaching
You'll study with Bristol Zoo in the dedicated Institute of Conservation Science and Learning, and be taught by experts from the zoo and University, learning about live conservation projects.
This is a hands-on course, so you'll take part in conservation projects and fieldwork, and work with different conservation organisations in the UK and overseas (where possible).
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27% | 65% | 8% |
| 2 | 27% | 65% | 8% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Assessment
We use a range of assessment tools to reflect the different concepts, knowledge and skills we develop on the course. You can expect to be assessed using coursework and exams in both years.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30% | 65% | 5% |
| 2 | 19% | 50% | 31% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Features
Placements
Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.
You'll go on 100 hours of placements in each year of this course, supported by a range of conservation organisations.
Previous students have worked with Bristol Zoo, Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre, Tree Life Centre, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Somerset Wildlife Trust, and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
We'll encourage you to take up volunteering roles to boost your experience further.
Get help to find a placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.
Fieldwork
Take part in real-world conservation projects and apply your academic knowledge to practical situations in the field.
Go on residential field trips in both years.
If you progress to level three of the BSc(Hons) Integrated Wildlife Conservation course, you can choose to go on a self-funded two-week field trip to the Madagascan rainforest or to Cuba.
Study facilities
These include the Institute of Conservation Science and Learning at Bristol Zoo Gardens, which includes classrooms, a laboratory, IT facilities, a library with a large collection of natural history literature, and a student common room. There are facilities for disabled users. You may also study at the Wild Place Project.
As a UWE Bristol student, you'll also have access to our teaching and learning facilities, including extensive library resources, laboratories and student support facilities.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Get a feel for the Environmental Science facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Life
Careers
Careers / Further study
FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation is excellent preparation for local, national and international careers in conservation.
If you want to progress to a full degree, you can go straight into level three of BSc(Hons) Integrated Wildlife Conservation after getting this qualification.
Fees
Full Time Course
Indicative Additional Costs
Supplementary fee information
Additional costs
Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 64
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.
- A-level subjects: A minimum of an AS in a Science subject.
- Relevant subjects: Subjects that meet the Science requirement for this course: Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths, Use of Maths, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Science in the Environment, Statistics.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: You will need a minimum of three units in a Science subject. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: Level 3 credits in Science.
- Baccalaureate IB: To include Science at Higher Level.
- Irish Highers: A minimum of O4 in a Science subject.
- T Levels: You must be studying Science. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email us.
Entry requirements
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644