Conservation and Community Engagement
Turn your passion for our planet into a career driving real, community-powered environmental change for a sustainable future.
UK students have the option to study Year 1 of this course, either for one year full-time or two years part-time, to achieve a CertHE. You can also choose to combine a foundation year with the CertHE. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Our BSc (Hons) Conservation and Community Engagement is designed to equip you with the scientific foundations and practical skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change for the environment.
It blends conservation science with practical, people-focused action. You’ll study biodiversity, climate challenges and sustainable solutions while developing skills in communication, education and behaviour change. Through hands-on experience and interdisciplinary learning, you’ll gain the expertise to evaluate and manage habitats, engage communities effectively and lead impactful conservation projects locally and globally.
Inclusivity is at the heart of the course. You’ll discover how to communicate effectively, engage meaningfully with different groups and create conservation initiatives that recognise and respect a range of perspectives, needs and values.
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Study at ARU in Writtle, and learn to support biodiversity through education, science communication, and behaviour change.
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Study on a rural, 150-hectare campus with a working farm and managed wildlife areas.
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Get involved in projects such as our hedgehog-friendly campus initiative, or the local Forest School.
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Learn alongside Animal Science students in your first year for a broader and collaborative experience.
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Explore climate change, habitat destruction and sustainability while learning how to inspire community-driven solutions.
Study at an award-winning university
We've received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of teaching standards. We were also proud to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023.
Careers
After completing this course, you’ll be equipped to plan and lead conservation projects, communicate environmental issues effectively and apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.
You’ll have developed practical skills in habitat assessment and biodiversity monitoring, as well as expertise in research, data analysis, project management and science communication. Graduates are ready for careers in conservation, sustainability, policy, and advocacy, able to make a meaningful impact on ecosystems and communities.
Teaching and modules
Explore the conservation of animals, plants and ecosystems and gain an understanding on human-environment interactions and global regulation.
You’ll study core science, including Ecology and Evolution, Biology and Plant-Animal Interactions, alongside ethical and social perspectives through Ethics of Animal Use, Human-Animal Interactions and Decolonising Conservation. You’ll develop practical skills in Wildlife Conservation, Habitat Management, Research Methods and Applied Engagement, supported by leadership, communication and professional training. You’ll also engage in community projects, behaviour change initiatives and round off your degree by completing an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to look at an area that interests you in more depth while demonstrating everything you’ve learned.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Biology (30 credits)
- Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
- Industry Skills and Professional Wellbeing (30 credits)
- Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
- Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Community Engagement (15 credits)
- Habitat Management (15 credits)
- Nature and Human Wellbeing (15 credits)
- Plant-Animal Interactions (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Practical Field Skills (15 credits)
- Wildlife Conservation Skills (15 credits)
- Major Project (30 credits)
- Applied Engagement, Education and Advocacy (15 credits)
- Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
- Behaviour Change (15 credits)
- Conservation Planning and Development (15 credits)
- Decolonising Conservation (15 credits)
- People Management, Training and Support (15 credits)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
- Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
- Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
- Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
- Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
- Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
UK students have the option to study Year 1 of this course, either for one year full-time or two years part-time, to achieve a CertHE. You can also choose to combine a foundation year with the CertHE. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Jonathan AmoryAssociate Professor
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Dr Steven AllainLecturer in Animal Science
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Terri AmoryLecturer
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Dr Sife ChikunyaSenior Lecturer
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Dr Nnenna UgwuLecturer in Animal Science
Facilities
As a Conservation and Community Engagement student at ARU Writtle, you'll:
- study on our rural, 150-hectare campus on the edge of the rural village of Writtle, in the middle of the Essex countryside.
- A fully operational farm home to sheep, pigs, and cattle, alongside a variety of arable crops and grass leys.
- Dedicated conservation areas, carefully managed to support local biodiversity.
- A state-of-the-art Science Centre, complete with modern labs and purpose-built teaching spaces.