Marine Ecology and Conservation

**Why choose this degree?**<br/>- Gain the skills and experience needed for a variety of career opportunities in this growing sector<br/><br/><br/>- Enhance your learning with work placements such as coral research and shark conservation both in the UK and abroad<br/><br/><br/>- Experience the industry in depth by visiting UK and international fish farms, coastal sites and research centres<br/><br/><br/>- Develop wide-reaching skills and knowledge in biological science – from physiology to ecology and evolution<br/><br/><br/>- Be taught by experts in unrivalled on-site facilities, including the 650m² purpose-built Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre (ARCC), the Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre and our own mixed coarse fishery lake. <br/><br/><br/>**What makes UCS special?**<br/>University Centre Sparsholt is recognised worldwide for its expertise in providing education in fishery, aquaculture and marine studies. Our lecturing staff are known to be the **experts in the industry** and can often be found at conferences and industry forums discussing the latest techniques and their supporting research.<br/><br/>Students gain real industry experience on and off-site that is underpinned by the high level of technical lecture content to prepare them for a range of careers or progression to courses at Master’s level. Our industry contacts enable **great employment prospects**. Typically over 50% of our 3rd year students return from work placements to sit their final exams with jobs already secured for graduation.<br/><br/>**What will I learn?**<br/>Marine ecology and conservation systems are studied in depth in this programme as you explore the impact of factors such as coastal developments, over-fishing, non-native species and worldwide climate change.<br/><br/>The course includes significant work experience in marine aquaculture, coastal fisheries, marine aquaria and research establishments both at home and abroad. Previous placements range from working in the **Cornish Seal Sanctuary** or for the **Manta Trust** in the UK, to **Natal Shark Board** in South Africa and Malta, whale and dolphin conservation in Tenerife, and **Coral Cay Conservation** in the Philippines.<br/><br/>**How will I be assessed?**<br/>Assessment includes coursework (such as practical portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies and essay style assignments) plus formal exams. Research opportunities are also a feature, often enabling data collection within organisations such as the **Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority**.<br/><br/>**Where can I go from here?**<br/>After completing this course, you can progress to the **BSc (Hons) Top-up in Marine Biology** at the University of Portsmouth for third year of study or enter the industry. Sparsholt students now work in national wildlife trusts and marine research