Ecological Survey Techniques

Study mode:Blended Study type:Part-time Languages: English
Local:$ 6.06 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 8.13 k / Year(s) Deadline: Nov 18, 2024
1 place StudyQA ranking:4306 Duration:1 year

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The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Ecological Survey Techniques is a one year, part-time course providing the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to conduct effective ecological field surveys and data analysis for a range of key taxa.

The course is designed for a wide range of professionals needing to up-skill in environmental management, assessment and biodiversity monitoring, including consultants, environmental managers and educators, as well as volunteers and those looking to make a career change, that are seeking flexible study combined with expert training. The course provides excellent opportunities to network and share practical experience and ideas.

Current and past students have included rangers and environmental managers at wildlife trusts and NGOs, tutors in higher and further education, research scientists, ecological consultants, officers for statutory bodies, as well as students successfully making career changes.

Participation has helped to boost students' professional practice, enhance career prospects, helped to secure promotions, and enabled students to progress onto further graduate studies. The course is international in its use of case studies and examples, and past students have joined the PGCert in Ecological Survey Techniques from the UK, the USA, Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe.

The course uses a mixture of online, face-to-face and experiential learning, including an independent field survey project, and is led by experienced academics and practitioners.

The PGCert provides the high standard of training needed to design, plan and implement effective ecological field surveys from beginning to end, including handling data and reporting results. The course supports research and professional development in the field, providing students with the skills needed to effectively assess and monitor biodiversity and ecosystems across all biomes. 

The face-to-face week in September includes classroom and field work based teaching, as well as practical exercises including the use of GIS software, this is followed by core and option modules taught online and an independently-researched project with field work.

The PGCert comprises:

  • one core face-to-face module, 'Introduction to Ecological Survey Techniques in Oxford'; 
  • two online core modules in vegetation and in data analysis;
  • a choice of two out of four online option modules specialising in mammals and reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians, and invertebrates; and
  • a core field project.

The course is assessed on a modular basis, with assessments reflecting the learning objectives of the course. During the course, you will be required to submit:

  • one 2,500-word formative assignment, which will be marked with feedback but will not contribute credit towards formal course results;
  • four 2,000-word assignments, up to two of which may be submitted as a PowerPoint poster or slide presentation depending on which option modules are chosen (10 CATS points each); and
  • one 5,000-word field project and a 1000-word online journal (20 CATS points).

The course is ideal for both UK-based and international students who wish to follow a flexible programme of study leading to an Oxford qualification. A choice of modules enables students to explore areas of interest and specialism, and areas which are relevant to their professional needs. Drawing on a rich pool of expertise, teaching is conducted by a highly knowledgeable and diverse team of practitioners and academics engaged directly with ecological issues. 

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in the field of environmental conservation, ecology, biodiversity or a related life sciences subject. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

Students who have successfully completed the Department for Continuing Education Undergraduate Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation will be considered for entry to the Postgraduate Certificate.

Non-graduates may be considered if they are able to demonstrate considerable experience in the field of environmental conservation practice.

Applicants should have some first-hand knowledge and/or experience of field work or conservation issues.

  • Official transcript(s)
  • CV/résumé
  • Personal statement: Up to 800 words
  • References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

est

Standard level scores

Higher level scores

IELTS Academic 
Institution code: 0713

7.0 Minimum 6.5 per component  7.5  Minimum 7.0 per component 

TOEFL iBT 
Institution code: 0490

100

Minimum component scores:

  • Listening: 22
  • Reading: 24
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
110

Minimum component scores:

  • Listening: 22
  • Reading: 24
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) 185

Minimum 176 per component

191 

Minimum 185 per component

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) 185

Minimum 176 per component

191 

Minimum 185 per component

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