Animal Conservation Science (with Sandwich Year)

Learn to protect the future of animals and their habitats on our BSc Animal Conservation Science, where the Lake District - one of the UK's oldest national parks - is your outdoor classroom.

Our course has been designed by experts, renowned for their research in animal conservation science and we are based in Ambleside so that you fully benefit from learning and living in this inspiring environment. You will discover many of the UK's most iconic and endangered wildlife species, diverse habitats, ecosystems and important conservation sites with hands-on research opportunities throughout your studies here.

**Why Choose University of Cumbria**
Live, study and research surrounded by rare and endangered species and a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats, including Atlantic oak forests.

The "with Sandwich Placement" version gives you opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in the conservation sector as part of your degree. Our strong links with wildlife conservation organisations in the UK and abroad provide you with excellent placement opportunities.

Your campus is based close to the shores of Windermere, in the Lake District - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have access to iconic landscapes and excellent facilities, including modern student spaces, state-of-the-art laboratories, a gym and a climbing wall.

- 100% overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2019)

- We are the only UK university with a campus within a national park

- The Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas is based on our Ambleside campus and the research it produces will enhance your learning

- You will be trained in cutting-edge technology, including species monitoring using environmental DNA and digital mapping technologies

- Access to new laboratories and excellent up-to-date equipment including 60 camera traps and a research boat

- Opportunities to work alongside organisations, such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust

- You will be taught by a team involved in international research, which will inform your learning and provide opportunities to get involved

- The teachers have years of practical experience working in the field and they will bring their invaluable first-hand experience to their teaching

- Flexible modules enable you to shape our course towards your intended career path

- Conduct your own research and get involved in scientific studies

- Opportunity to go on an international field trip

If you want a start a successful career in wildlife conservation, our course will teach you everything you need to earn a great degree and become a professional in the field.

We examine the theory and practice of animal conservation science by studying ecology, threats to biodiversity, animal behaviour, conservation genetics, wildlife management and behavioural ecology.

Year 1 (Ambleside) - You will build knowledge of the world's biodiversity (including animal and plant identification skills), ecology and the principles and practice of conservation through lectures and field sessions.

Year 2 (Ambleside) - You will learn professional-standard survey and research techniques and put these into practice during a fieldwork module, which you can take in the UK or abroad. You are also introduced to studies of behaviour and genetics in a conservation context and to a range of optional modules, including GIS, and freshwater or marine ecology.

Year 3 (on placement) - You complete 7 months of practical conservation work or conservation research working with a conservation organisation or research group in the UK or abroad.

Year 4 (Ambleside) - You undertake a year-long research project and receive training in the behavioural ecology of animals and wildlife management. Additionally, you choose from a range of specialist modules linking the theory and practice of animal conservation science. These include conservation strategies, contemporary issues in conservation, and advanced GIS and remote sensing.