BSc (Hons) Natural History
95% OF OUR PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE STUDENTS WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR COURSENATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY 2019
Natural history is the study of organisms and the environments in which they live. This is a diverse and exciting subject that covers the study of animals, plants and their environments, along with earth and environmental sciences.
You’ll study different organisms – how they are identified, their life history, relationships, behaviour and conservation. You'll also understand the processes that shape our land, coastlines and climate.
You’ll explore the diversity of life, wildlife management for conservation, animal biology, geo-sciences and environmental survey skills. You'll also develop skills in experimental design, ecological surveying and field research techniques, and data analysis.
Studying Natural History will take you out of the classroom and into the digital production suite, where you will develop specialist skills in science communication, photography and film-making.
Our Natural History degree has a strong practical field element for you to gain key skills in a range of environments. Presently, students go on field courses to Pembrokeshire, Iceland, and on the optional Natural History expedition to Botswana*.
What you will study
On our Natural History degree you will get to explore the diversity of life, wildlife management for conservation, marine biology and environmental survey skills. A key feature of this Natural History degree is gaining practical skills that you can apply on land, in freshwater environments and in the oceans. To develop these skills, you will go on a range of one-day and residential field courses operating in both the UK and overseas. Overseas field trips presently go to Spain, Iceland and an optional module to Botswana*. Wildlife photography and film-making is another exciting part of the course where you will develop your skills to produce a documentary.
On this fascinating natural history degree, you will study modules on Geographic Information Software (GIS) and research methods to help you understand how to analyse and interpret data collected during experiments, and how to communicate your findings to inform wildlife conservation objectives. Topics in these modules include manipulating spatial data with ArcMap and statistical computer programming skills.
Your first year modules aim to give you the underlying foundation knowledge in the subject areas that you will be pursuing. In the second year we explore biological, geo-physical and ecological themes whilst enabling you to choose an optional module in one of the subject areas.
The final year builds on your knowledge and skills, and again allows you to choose an optional module. During the final year you will undertake a substantial project of your choice. This can involve conducting an original scientific research project, or producing a documentary film or photographic portfolio.
Year One: Natural History Degree
- Evolutionary Botany and Zoology
- Principles of Ecology
- Digital Production for Natural History 1
- Observational Fieldwork
- Introduction to Biogeosciences
- Natural History
Year Two: Natural History Degree
- Veterbrate Zoology
- Biodiversity and Biogeography
- GIS for Wildlife Conservation Management
- Natural History Field Course
- Research Methods in Natural History
Plus one of the following optional modules;
- The Evolving Earth
- Reconstructing Change
- Digital Production in Natural History 2
Year Three: Natural History Degree
- Natural History Research Project (40 credits)
- Advanced Ecology
- Marine and Freshwater Biology
- Mediterranean Fieldwork
Plus one of the following optional modules;
- Natural History Field Expedition
- Work-based Learning
- Climate Change
We also offer a Foundation Year designed for applicants who do not meet the admissions criteria for the Natural History degree.
Careers
By graduation, those with a Natural History degree will have the professional skills to work for national parks, nature reserves, environmental and planning consultancies, national and international wildlife bodies, national, regional and local government, utility companies and regulatory agencies. Your analytical skills will give you excellent prospects in research and policy development. You can even make wildlife films to gain career options in visual media and environmental education. Typical roles include:
- Environmental Consultant
- Researcher
- Video Producer
- Conservation Officer/ Manager
- Environmental Manager
- Ecologist
Our Natural History course give students opportunities to gain practical experience and develop transferable skills to help them when they enter the world of work. For many students, a degree is an important step in achieving their career ambitions. Our courses generate motivated and able graduates with a range of key skills. They are highly valued by employers for the scope of their knowledge, and have excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Laboratory work and field projects ensure our students have strong research and team working skills.
Employability skills and work-based learning are built into our natural science courses. For example, we build in the practical skills that are outlined by the professional bodies. In the second year, research and report writing skills are developed alongside field skills and the writing of field reports. The final year gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning and to conduct project work.
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