Studying Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at University Centre Sparsholt
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation graduate
Senior Nature Based Solutions Officer for the Hampshire
& Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Winner of the Rising Star award at the inaugural Schöffel Countryside Awards
The top tier campus and availability of study tours at UCS meant we were always out learning in the environment around us and putting our theoretical knowledge to the test in the field. I feel this mixture of classroom, field and practical work was invaluable in building the foundations for my career in conservation. Once you include the added bonus of multiple industry work placements, we were really able to ‘get out there’ and experience a working environment across a variety of habitats around the country.
Having the diversity to study technical, ecological field and lab work alongside practical estate skills meant myself and my peers were all able to specialise and build on each of our interests both as individuals and as part of a close-knit team. The course opened up doors in ecological consultancy, practical conservation management and education opportunities, a balance perfectly mastered by the staff of UCS and its well renowned industry reputation.
The support offered by the staff at UCS is second to none – if you had a question or an issue that needed sorting, you could always find a member of staff willing to go out of their way to help you succeed. For anyone looking at an ecology/conservation management degree, I implore you to visit UCS and see what this great campus has to offer.
I can’t thank the staff at Sparsholt and UCS enough – without their passion, drive and support in the formative days of my conservation career, I would not be where I am today; working in a job I love and feeling a true sense of satisfaction knowing I am doing my bit for nature recovery in Hampshire.