Course Summary

With a shortage of marine and freshwater scientists in the UK, there has never been a better time to study to become a future expert in the world of aquatic conservation. Our foundation year will build a solid base in scientific, intellectual, investigative skills and knowledge, enabling you to progress onto the BSc Marine and Freshwater degree. Our unique course, created with the guidance of professional environmental consultants and aquatic scientists, enables you to study freshwater and marine conservation together in one degree. **Why Choose University of Cumbria** Your studies at our Ambleside campus will be unrivalled - we're the only UK university with a campus within a national park and in an UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, forget sporadic, end of term field trips and research, you'll have an abundance of rivers, lakes and coastline on your doorstep to gain plenty of hands-on, practical science throughout every semester. - Prepared for employment in conservation, environmental and research fields - Easy access to the waters of the Lake District and coastal ecosystems - Use of up-to-date facilities in our new laboratories - Flexibility to customise your learning by selecting modules - Practical, taxonomic and analytical capabilities ready for a future in science - Exciting, international field trips and placements - Great contacts with wildlife, water and conservation organisations to enhance your job prospects - Taught by tutors involved in international research, which will enhance your learning and keep you up to date - Small class sizes mean we get to know you well and offer individual support during your studies - Use of modern learning spaces, lecture theatres and a well-stocked library with many marine and freshwater resources and journals - Access to excellent on-campus facilities, including a climbing wall and gym at the Ambleside Campus If you have the passion for helping our planet's future, then we'll help you gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of ecology and aquatic environments, as well as the skills and practical experience you need to graduate as a professional aquatic scientist who can make a real difference in wildlife conservation. So, to become an expert in the conservation world, get started with our unique course. You'll be guided through the wonderful range of marine and freshwater environments to be found on our planet, from upland springs and freshwater lakes, through coastal environments to deep sea trenches. **Year 1** - You'll build a solid base in scientific, intellectual and investigative skills and knowledge, which will be expanded upon during the rest of the course. **Year 2** - You'll study six modules to give you a fundamental understanding of biodiversity and its conservation. **Year 3 & 4** - You'll study the processes controlling the behaviour and characteristics of aquatic habitats, their plants and animals. Plus, there are many opportunities to get on-the-job experience in the field, with a UK or international placement or by volunteering with local conservation organisations. You also get the chance to choose from a range of modules to suit your interests. But, whatever you choose, you will always benefit from laboratory-based teaching to boost your practical and analytical skills, which will enhance your chances of employment. If you want the expertise to become successful in the conservation world, take advantage of our course and get started on a career in the aquatic sciences now.

Course Details - Modules

Foundation year - Compulsory modules: Essential Academic Skills, Essential Professional Development, Working with Data, Applied Practice, Essential Biology, Dynamic Earth. Year one - Compulsory modules: Core Scientific Skills, Introduction to Conservation Biology, Biodiversity I, Biodiversity II, Ecology, Aquatic Environments, Biodiversity Monitoring - Qualificatory Practice Unit. Year two - Compulsory modules: Biodiversity Monitoring, Research Methods & Data Analysis, Freshwater Ecology, Marine Ecology, Evolution & Biogeography. Optional modules (subject to availability and demand): Conservation Genetics, Geographic Information Systems, Animal Behaviour, Marine Biodiversity Assessments Techniques, Conservation Policy, Practice & Philosophy, Applied Field Studies - Qualificatory Practice Unit. Students with placements: Qualificatory Practice Unit: Academic/Vocational Placement. Year three - Compulsory modules: Dissertation, Management of Aquatic Resources, Conservation in Marine & Freshwater Ecosystems. Optional modules (subject to availability and demand): Fisheries & Aquaculture, Conservation & Society, Behavioural Ecology, Genetic Applications for Conservation, Applied Field Studies, Developing Marine Biodiversity Assessments, Wildlife Management, Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing.

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: D458

Institution code: C99

Campus Name: Carlisle - Fusehill Street

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Foundation

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

Must have studied Biology or Applied Science at Level 3. Potential to succeed can be measured in a number of ways including academic qualifications and skills obtained outside academic study such as work experience. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table. Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements.

Must be science based and need to pass all 60 credits, 45 at level 3


GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C/4. If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application. The Integrated Foundation Year programmes support your return to education and are specifically designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills or experience to join the degree in Year 1. Contact our Course Enquiries Team for more information.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 88%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 65%

Go onto work and study: 90%

Fees and funding

EU 8760.0 Year 1
England 6125.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 6125.0 Year 1
Scotland 6125.0 Year 1
Wales 6125.0 Year 1
International 8760.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

These fees are for the first year only. For years 2 - 4, the BA or BSc fee will apply. Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.

Provider information

Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Carlisle
CA1 2HH

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