This module begins with a broad introduction to research in which you will identify an appropriate research approach in the context of their individual aspirations and, where applicable, their professional role. A prerequisite to this is attendance at the postgraduate induction/PDP event where a community of practice is developed with an understanding of your role in research and professional practice. The module introduces research and research methods from the perspectives of the researcher, research manager or managerial user. The module will discuss the research process of: identifying issues and problems; specifying research; collecting and processing primary and secondary data and information; analysing findings and producing conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for further investigation. Emphasis will be placed on methods that are objective, systematic, reliable, valid, ethical, effective and efficient. Guidance will also be given on the preparation of research papers and reports. This module will prepare you for dealing with research in all modules and in particular the Dissertation module. Taught postgraduates from all disciplines will initially share a generic overview that is appropriate for a postgraduate understanding of research and the methods that underpin it. Thereafter, you will devolve to tutors in your discipline to deal with the curriculum content in greater, contextualised detail. The greater part of the assessment will be applied to learning from this second part of the module.
This module provides an opportunity to explore how we teach and inspire others about the environment. You’ll examine the complex theories and concepts that underpin environmental education and learn how to apply them in real-world settings. You'll also critically evaluate existing pedagogic techniques and practices in the context of environmental sciences and field-based learning. You‘ll analyse the design, planning and delivery of different approaches to environmental education for a range of different learners. Innovative techniques in both formative and summative assessment will also explored within the framework of environmental studies, including their application in potentially challenging off-site environments. You‘ll have the opportunity to develop distinctive learning styles appropriate to both practical-based and field-based situations in contrasting circumstances of resource availability. Finally, you’ll discuss the methods of embedding key transferable skills across diverse learning situations and environments, preparing you to educate others in ways that foster lasting and meaningful connections with the natural world.
View the full module definitionThis module explores three current and interrelated issues in the communication and practice of conservation. The first focuses on environmental ethics, including ethical considerations relating to animals and the natural world. The second examines campaigning, activism and social change within conservation, highlighting how these efforts are informed and guided by ethical principles. The third areas addresses the development of environmental policies which have arisen from those ethics, exploring how such policies are applied and implemented in real-world conservation practice. By the end of this module, you‘ll have developed a critical understanding of how ethics and policy interact within conservation, and how these ideas are communicated, debated and put into action across different cultural and environmental contexts.
View the full module definitionWildlife has been a vital resource for human society for thousands of years. However, when utilisation leads to overexploitation, the consequences can be severe, not only for the resource itself, but also for the wider environment and, ultimately, human welfare. In this module, you’ll investigate the scientific, cultural and ethical drivers that underpin the protection of landscapes and their wild animal populations. Examples will be used throughout to demonstrate approaches employed to promote and support effective species and habitat conservation. In cases where rates of exploitation are unsustainable, the management and conservation of species must be addressed. Using specific case studies, this module explores a range of methods used in the sector for habitat conservation, including systematic conservation planning, landscape-scale approaches, adaptive management, protected area design, habitat restoration to inform management practice. Issues relating to minimum viable populations and minimum viable areas are also examined. You’ll explore the importance of the socio-economic and cultural context in habitat conservation, along with relevant international legislation and organisational efforts and practices. Finally, you’ll be introduced to the concepts of ‘sustainability’, ‘biodiversity’ and 'wildlife trade', and consider the importance and value of biodiversity to human welfare.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionHuman behaviour change represents one of the greatest challenges and opportunities for achieving lasting conservation outcomes. Research demonstrates that simply raising awareness of environmental issues is rarely sufficient to drive meaningful and sustained behaviour change. In this module, you‘ll explore the theory and practice of designing and implementing behaviour change interventions in real-world context. Drawing on cross-disciplinary insight from fields such as public health and marketing, you‘ll critically evaluate different approaches and apply these principals to the development of strategies that promote positive environmental behaviours. You‘ll also consider how these methodologies can be responsibly and effectively applied to conservation and animal welfare initiatives.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you’ll focus on lifelong engagement with conservation, the outdoor environment, nature, animals and wildlife. Building on the Environmental Education module, this module follows a similar structure and aims to integrate both theoretical and practical learning. You’ll be introduced to theories of andragogy, cultural perspectives and the value of different approaches to fostering lifelong engagement with the environment. This theoretical understanding will be complemented by hands-on practical experiences, and the development of further knowledge about how engagement with the natural world can be encouraged and sustained.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you’ll explore the complex and evolving relationships between humans and the natural world. Key areas of focus include human connection to nature, emotional attachment to animals and the growing phenomenon of ecoanxiety. You‘ll examine how strengthening human relationships with nature and animals can enhance physical and mental wellbeing, while also fostering more sustainable and conservation minded behaviours. Throughout this module, you‘ll engage with both theoretical perspectives and practical approaches designed to deepen positive human-environment interactions and promote meaningful, lasting connections with the natural world.
View the full module definitionThis module provides hands-on experience in ecological principles and conservation practices, with a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-world environmental challenges. You’ll explore key topics such as ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity assessments, habitat management, environmental legislation and biodiversity net gain. Through fieldwork on our Writtle campus and engagement with real-world case studies, you’ll develop practical skills in ecological data collection, species monitoring and the creation of conservation management plans. By the end of this module, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of ecological relationships and the vital role of conservation in sustaining biodiversity in the face of global environmental change.
View the full module definitionYour Postgraduate Major Project is a substantial piece of independent research, on a specialist topic of choice allowing you the opportunity to develop and refine a project from concept through to completion. It will build on the skills and knowledge you gained through the taught element and provides you with valuable research skills training. It requires in depth logical investigation of a problem, seeking potential resolutions to an issue that is of current relevance to your discipline. The module is worth 60 credits, making up one third of your postgraduate study and requires the equivalent of 600 hours of your commitment. Depending on your area of interest, your dissertation could take the form of an investigative empirical project, or a business focussed project, case study or analysis of secondary data. Your project must be approved prior to starting and preparatory work will involve the submission of a research project proposal, the allocation of a supervisor, the completion of ethics training and the submission of Stage 1 Research Ethics application. In addition, any projects which involve human participation or work with animals, such as questionnaires and surveys will need to be approved by our School or Faculty Research Ethics Panel.
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