BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Woodland Ecology and Conservation is an undergraduate degree in marine biology and conservation with forestry centred on the management and protection of woodland habitats. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Based at the Ambleside campus in the Lake District, the programme incorporates practical learning across commercial forests and ancient woodlands alongside an optional one-year professional work placement. The first year builds foundational knowledge through compulsory modules such as Introduction to Managing Trees, Woods and Forests, Measuring Trees and Forests, Silviculture, and Woodland Ecology, covering fundamental principles of forestry and ecological processes. The second year progresses to technical and governance training with compulsory modules like Ecological Census Techniques, Geographic Information Systems, Research Methods and Data Analysis, and Forest Policy and Governance, alongside optional choices such as Forests & People, Valuing the Environment, Environmental Change: Past Present Future, and Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. The final year focuses on advanced practice and independent study, featuring compulsory modules including Dissertation, Woodland Conservation, and Forest Plan. Students can further tailor their studies through optional modules such as Advanced Silviculture, Business Skills, Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing, Climate Smart Forestry, and Ecosystem Management.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
104-120 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table . Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range. GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C or above. Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and Adult Numeracy are also accepted. A full list of acceptable level 2 qualifications can be found here: Level 2 Acceptable Entry Requirements . GCSEs: Maths at C/4 or above. A-levels: BBD - BBB. T-levels: P (C+) – M All subjects are accepted for entry to this course. Access to HE: 30 credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass. Scottish Highers: BBBC-AABB. Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3. Alternative routes: If you don't think you'll meet the criteria for direct application to this course, check out our Integrated Foundation Year. Selection criteria: As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Woodland Ecology and Conservation. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 65%
- Left higher education: 35%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 30%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- North West: 40%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 15%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- A degree: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Managing Trees, Woods and Forests
- Measuring Trees and Forests
- Silviculture
- Woodland Ecology
- Forestry Fundamentals
- The Tree of Life
- Form and Function
- Ecological Census Techniques
- Geographic Information Systems
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Forest Policy and Governance
- Forest Health and Protection
- Forests & People
- Valuing the Environment
- Environmental Change: Past Present Future
- Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
- Dissertation
- Woodland Conservation
- Forest Plan
- Advanced Silviculture
- Business Skills
- Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
- Climate Smart Forestry
- Ecosystem Management
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation at University of Cumbria earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £26,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,500 and £30,500. The £26,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation at University of Cumbria do next?
60% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation at University of Cumbria?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation at University of Cumbria?
The typical offer is BBD at A level. The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation at University of Cumbria?
65% of students continued into their second year, and 35% left higher education.