Countryside Management (Joint Honours - Buxton)

UCAS code: Y004

Start date: September

Course length: full time: three years, part time: four-six years

Campus: Buxton Campus

This course is available to international students

Do you want to play a part in the future of the countryside around you? Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you want to know more about the wealth of species and habitats? The Countryside Management degree at the University of Derby, Buxton offers comprehensive education and training on nature conservation, ecology, mapping, woodlands, moorlands, wetlands and grasslands management, invasive species, national parks and natural resource management, among many other countryside management related themes.

In a world where international issues such as climate change, extinction and pollution occupy the news, the need for a skilled workforce is growing, with forecasts suggesting 36,000 more conservation positions will be needed in the next ten years.

The Joint Honours Countryside Management degree uses a variety of traditional and innovative teaching methods and relies on some of the latest technologies; you will use wikis, blogs, podcasts and audio trail MP3 recordings, alongside learning more traditional estate skills such as dry stone walling and hedge-laying. 

At the University of Derby Buxton, our countryside management staff and students work with some of the very best people in the field, including local and national policy makers, conservation and preservation authorities, NGOs and local businesses. Your degree will help you develop your skills, knowledge and interests and we will ensure you are work-ready upon graduation - especially important when you consider that 74% of conservation workers have degree level qualifications!

Throughout your studies you will be an integral part of the management and practical day to day conservation of the 58 hectares of Oaklands Estate. As a result you will gain not only the practical and theoretical knowledge of the issues of conservation, but it will equip you with managerial, legal and planning experience. Where else can a student obtain such valuable experience?

During this course you will work with organisations like these:

• Ecology Consultants
• The National Trust
• British Mountaineering Council
• The RSPB
• Local Wildlife Trusts

• BA (Hons) in Adventure Tourism and Countryside Management
• BA (Hons) Countryside Management and Outdoor Recreation
• BA (Hons) in Ecotourism and Countryside Management

You will study modules like these, but they may change:

Year 1

• Outdoor Research and Professional Development 1
• Introduction to the Natural Environment
• Countryside Law and Management

Year 2

• Research Skills for Outdoor, Countryside and Adventure
• Nature Conservation
• Countryside Interpretation and Marketing

Year 3

• Ecology
• Outdoor and Environmental Education
• Independent Study

Our entry requirements are usually 260-280 UCAS points, of which at least 160 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 100-120 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)
• £1,030 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

You'lll learn through a variety of lectures, seminars and practical fieldtrips in the Peak District. You will be assessed by examinations, essays and presentations.

Fieldtrips 

You'll get the chance to go on a variety of field trips throughout Derbyshire, ranging from managed woodlands and limestone dales to the stark moorland plateaux.

Work placements

You'll have the chance to do an optional work placement. We'll give you lots of help to find an employer, so you'll be able to work within an area you are particularly interested in.

Countryside Management graduates typically work in a wide range of organisations. Opportunities for you could include:

• Countryside warden and ranger positions in conservation organisations
• Employment in national parks
• Woodland, wetland and grassland management
• Education officers in outdoor and field studies centres
• Local government recreation and leisure positions
• Interpretation officers and environmental education including 'Learning outside the classroom'.
• Postgraduate research and study

You will gain valuable estate work experience that enhances your transferable skills in preparation for employment across the outdoor and countryside sector.

"I am now a fully employed permanent ranger down at Carsington Water. The role is a perfect blend of customer service and engagement plus good habitat management and maintenance out on the wider reservoir, matches my degree perfectly - so... really pleased. Perfect stepping stone to gain great experience for a management role in the next year or so."

Dave Drury

"Throughout the three years I have enjoyed field trips from ecological studies at Bleaklow, Rhododendron removal at Lyme Park and soil testing at Stanage Edge".

"Whenever people ask me what I'm studying they comment on how they would love to work outdoors in the country and working in the countryside was the main reason for a career change from the city".

Robert Parratt

"I have a good network of friends that I have met through countryside management and we all intend to keep in touch for help and advice when we go into different areas of the country for work".