Drawing on world-renowned expertise in environmental science, a wide range of tutor specialists, and our skills and experience in creating a rich learning environment, whatever your background, the University of Oxford offers the following flexible, 2 year part-time courses.
Diploma in Environmental Conservation (equivalent to 120 CATS points at Level 5)
A course in UK wildlife and habitat management; themes typically include community and population biology, quantitative sampling techniques, countryside law, environmental education, site evaluation and management planning
Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation (equivalent to 120 CATS points at Level 6)
A course tackling global environmental issues; overarching themes typically include science of climate change, impacts of climate change, resources and sustainability, global pollution and political economy of the environment.
Delivered to offer a student-centred learning experience (supported by a dedicated virtual learning environment throughout) that still allows continued employment and minimal disruption to busy lives, a real emphasis is given to developing valuable study and research skills - an element crucial for professionals needing to problem-solve, and lead debate.
There is no minimum requirement for previous academic achievement. Both courses attract interest from a wide pool – in terms of geography, background, stage of career and type of experience – there is no student ‘type’. This enhances the quality of learning, the range of perspectives and ideas that can be swopped, and helps build new and extend existing networks and possibilities.
Numerous students have successfully used their course as a springboard into a new career or gain promotion within the sector. Two such students who qualified recently are Richard and Anja; be inspired by their stories.
Until a year ago Richard worked for a telecoms company, but always had a long-term goal to make a career change into countryside and conservation management.Following successful completion of the Undergraduate Diploma, Richard is now working as a Project Manager, managing conservation volunteers with the National Trust.
Richard commented “the course played an important part in making my career change; it was fundamental in me getting my new role and was particularly beneficial in my interview preparation for questions about public participation, engagement and the voluntary movement. Some of the guest speakers were quite inspirational”.
Anja took the Advanced Diploma to develop her career within the conservation sector. After completing the Advanced Diploma she worked for her local Wildlife Trust and the Cheetah Conservation Fund before being accepted onto a full-time master’s course at another university Having now completed her MSc, Anja works for the RSPB and is applying for academic research positions and PhD funding.
Anja says, “Without this qualification I would not have achieved this level of success and would still be dreaming about a career in conservation.”
Both the Undergraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation have places available for a September 2012 start. See the website or get in touch to find out more:
Email: envcon@conted.ox.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 286953
Fax: +44 (0)1865 286934
Web: http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/Envcons
