BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) Woodland Ecology and Conservation with Foundation Year, a marine biology and conservation with forestry degree focusing on forest management, biodiversity, and woodland conservation. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme begins with an introductory foundation year at the Ambleside campus in the Lake District, featuring modules such as Essential University Skills 1, Essential Biology, and Scientific Investigation. Students then progress through modules covering tree measurement, silviculture, ecological census techniques, and forest policy, culminating in a final-year dissertation and forest plan alongside optional modules like Advanced Silviculture and Climate Smart Forestry. The first year establishes fundamental academic and scientific competencies through modules such as Essential University Skills 2, Environmental Sciences, and Dynamic Earth. The second year introduces core concepts with Introduction to Managing Trees, Woods and Forests, Measuring Trees and Forests, Silviculture, Woodland Ecology, The Tree of Life, and Form and Function. The third year builds advanced technical and professional capabilities through Ecological Census Techniques, Geographic Information Systems, Research Design and Data Analysis, Forest Policy and Governance, and Forest Health and Protection, with optional studies available in Forests & People, Valuing the Environment, Environmental Change: Past Present Future, and Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. The final year centres on integrated planning and independent research through the Forest Plan, Dissertation, and Woodland Conservation, supported by options including Ecosystem Management, Advanced Silviculture, Business Skills, Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing, and Climate Smart Forestry.
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
48 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table . 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: A. T-levels: P (D or E) All subjects are accepted for entry to this course. Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass. Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points. Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points. 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. The Integrated Foundation Year programme supports 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 experiences to join the degree in Year 1.
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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
- Essential University Skills 1
- Essential Biology
- Scientific Investigation
- Essential University Skills 2
- Environmental Sciences
- Dynamic Earth
- Introduction to Managing Trees, Woods and Forests
- Measuring Trees and Forests
- Silviculture
- Woodland Ecology
- The Tree of Life
- Form and Function
- Ecological Census Techniques
- Geographic Information Systems
- Research Design 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
- Forest Plan
- Dissertation
- Woodland Conservation
- Ecosystem Management
- Advanced Silviculture
- Business Skills
- Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
- Climate Smart Forestry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year 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 with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Woodland Ecology and Conservation with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
65% of students continued into their second year, and 35% left higher education.