Red squirrel

Course details

UCAS Code

PWM3

Year of entry

2025

Duration

3 YRS (FT)

UCAS Tariff

48-72

Institution Code

G53

Location

Northop

Course Highlights

Strong

industry links

Opportunities

to contribute to protected species research

Taught

by ecologists and conservation professionals

Why choose this course?

Are you passionate about wildlife and conservation? This course offers a unique opportunity to gain ecological knowledge and develop valuable survey skills needed to work in conservation. Prepare for a rewarding career, helping protect biodiversity and tackle the challenges facing our natural world.

You will:

  • Learn from qualified ecologists actively working in the field, offering real-world insights and expertise
  • Gain hands-on experience with a wide range of protected species surveys, including dormice, reptiles, amphibians, red squirrels, natterjack toads and bats
  • Develop practical survey skills that contribute to acquiring Protected Species Survey Licenses
  • Experience the use of Conservation Detection Dogs in action with industry specialists
  • Study in a stunning rural campus with diverse habitat types, perfect for practical surveys and habitat management
  • Work closely with leading ecology and conservation specialists, building industry connections for future career opportunities
  • Develop key employability skills and attributes, including professional codes of practice, in preparation for the conservation sector
  • Join a growing network of ecologists supporting conservation initiatives in the UK and across the world

Key course features

  • Explore local environments including sand dunes, woodlands, hay meadows, uplands, wetlands, freshwater, and marine ecosystems
  • Apply ecological theory to practice through extensive fieldwork and surveys, preparing you for a career in conservation
  • Gain understanding of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems, and explore global conservation strategies
  • Build advanced survey and data collection skills
  • Gain field-based expertise by tracking and identifying a wide range of wildlife in diverse habitats
  • Take part in real-world research and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts
  • This course includes a foundation year, allowing students without the relevant background or qualifications to gain access upon successful completion

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The Foundation Year is an integrated year where you will study core modules with a broad range of students from across the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, giving you access to different perspectives and networking opportunities.   

The modules will equip you with key skills needed for Higher Education and beyond. They will give you the chance to explore your subject area and available careers, allowing you to adapt your reading and assessments to be relevant to your degree pathway.  

Alongside teaching from the broader faculty staff, you will be able to meet with staff and other students from your main degree pathway and get involved with events and opportunities that they are running.  

  • Study Skills for Success (Core): This module will provide a solid foundation in academic conventions and time management skills to help you to progress through your degree.  
  • Resilience in Higher Education and Beyond (Core): Personal development and resilience are as important as academic skills in the accomplishment on your journey towards graduation, and this exciting module will equip you with the attributes needed for this.
  • A Day in the Life (Core): This module allows you to explore the potential career options open to you on completion of your chosen degree. You will be exploring the professions linked to your degree and start preparing your graduate portfolio for employers.  
  • Life and Work in the Welsh Context (Core): This module will give you the opportunity to explore your subject area and/or desired career in relation to living and working in today’s Wales.
  • Welsh for First Time Learners (Optional): This module provides an introduction to the Welsh language for those taking their first steps.
  • Numeracy (Optional): If your degree requires a competent level of numeracy, you may be advised to choose this option.
  • Professional Communication in the Workplace (Optional): In this module, you will begin to develop the skills and aptitude necessary to communicate effectively in a professional context.
  • Maths and Experimental Design (Optional): If your degree pathway requires an understanding of numeracy and sciences, then this module is designed to provide the opportunity to achieve that.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

Year two introduces core ecological concepts and field skills, covering species identification, ecology, and environmental ethics. The Professional and Academic Development module supports your studies and prepares you for securing a placement in the field.

MODULES:

  • Professional and Academic Development: This module will equip you with a range of skills and attributes in preparation to work in your chosen sector whilst following professional codes of practice. This module also enables you to develop a range of skills required for academic studies, which will be used and extended upon throughout your programme of study.
  • Professional Practice 1: This module enables you to apply and integrate professional skills, knowledge and behaviours gained from the programme into a real-life workplace setting. This module further enables you to develop the Wrexham graduate attributes and develop and reflect upon the key employability skills required for the sector.
  • Field Skills and Identification: This module introduces you to the identification of a range of plants and animals in the field. You will learn about the anatomy of organisms and learn how to relate these anatomical features to identification keys. You will be shown a variety of techniques for finding, observing and tracking wildlife in the field where you will learn how to utilise their identification skills in real-world conditions.
  • Introduction to Ecology: This module introduces you to the relationship between organisms and the environment around them. Key ecological definitions will be explained, and you will understand the variety of complex biotic and abiotic interactions that influence the abundance and distribution of organisms
  • Environmental Ethics: This module introduces you to a range of socio-economic, farming and leisure activities that cause damage to the natural world. You will become familiar with the impact these activities have on human well-being, animal welfare and the environment.
  • Introduction to Evolution: This module introduces you to the history of evolution, from the beginning of life on earth, through extinction events, to the rise of the mammals and evidence of current evolutionary trends. You will examine the evidence for evolution along with details of the mechanisms by which life evolves. Concepts in this module will help you to understand the diversity of life on the planet.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Year three builds on your foundation with advanced fieldwork, survey techniques, and understanding of conservation policies and laws. It focuses on professional development and career readiness, ensuring you’re prepared as an ecologist for the wildlife and conservation sector.

MODULES:

  • Professional Practice 2:This module will enable you to build upon the professional skills, knowledge and behaviours gained from the programme and previous professional practice module at level 4. Deeper reflection with be undertaken through the Professional Behavioural Evaluation Assessment You will focus on your career goals and the skills, attributes and professional behaviour needed to gain employment in your chosen area.
  • Survey Skills for Conservation: This module will develop your identification skills through engaging with practical ecological surveys in the field and online database searches. You will be involved in data collection, analysis, and interpretation and understand how to write an ecological report using current mapping software to display data.
  • Environmental Policy and Law: This module introduces you to national and international environmental legislation and policy frameworks, summarising their purpose and giving examples of how they impact on the work of practising ecologists and/or environmental managers. You will also be introduced to the work of both statutory and non-governmental conservation organisations, and their role in supporting legislation and carrying out practical work.
  • Conservation Management: This module teaches you recognise a variety of habitats and understand their need for management due to damaging anthropogenic activities and, or changes over time. You will become familiar with a range of techniques used to create, maintain, enhance, and restore the conservation value of a variety of habitats.
  • Climate Change and Conservation: This module introduces you to natural and anthropogenic changes in the climate and the science of current climate change. You will be able to identify how climate change will affect biomes, habitats and species worldwide and learn how global efforts to combat climate change are being implemented..
  • Consultancy and Professional Development: This module introduces you to the work of an ecological consultant and their role in development and the planning system. You will be introduced to the process of gaining planning permission, from initial commissioning of work, through to long-term monitoring. You will investigate the role of the consultant in planning approval, mitigation design, development licence application, and acting as Clerk of Works during development.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Applications are welcomed from candidates who do not possess the standard qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to pursue the course successfully.

Entrance for these candidates is dependent on an assessment of past experience, a successful interview, references and diagnostic assessment to determine suitability for the course. Enthusiasm and commitment are essential.

Teaching & Assessment

  • Lectures
  • Workshops
  • Exciting and inspirational guest speakers
  • A range of online activities using our bespoke virtual learning environment
  • Industry placements
  • Practical sessions on our rural campus
  • Educational visits
  • A broad range of assessments including practicals, reports and podcasts
  • Access to Wrexham facilities
  • Outstanding student support
  • Individual personal tutors

TEACHING AND LEARNING

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’sInclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. They provide personalised advice, useful resources, and extracurricular employability events to prepare you for the job market.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in: 

  • Biodiversity Officer
  • Species Recovery Officer
  • Countryside Ranger
  • Ecological Consultant
  • Rewilding Ecologist
  • Wildlife Surveyor
  • Wildlife Education Officer
  • Conservation Project Officer
  • Wildlife Protection Officer
  • Wildlife Photographer

Additionally, you may choose to further your expertise through postgraduate studies. Explore our postgraduate courses for more information.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

For international students looking to study this course please see our international fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section