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.
1st
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
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.
Study at ARU in Writtle, and learn to support biodiversity through education, science communication, and behaviour change.
Why ARU?
Study on a rural, 150-hectare campus with a working farm and managed wildlife areas.
Get involved in projects such as our hedgehog-friendly campus initiative, or the local Forest School.
Learn alongside Animal Science students in your first year for a broader and collaborative experience.
Explore climate change, habitat destruction and sustainability while learning how to inspire community-driven solutions.
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.
After graduating, you could work in conservation organisations, environmental consultancies, government and policy roles, education and outreach, research and academia, corporate sustainability, or ecotourism and wildlife management. All of these areas offer you the opportunity to protect biodiversity, influence environmental policy, lead community projects and create sustainable solutions worldwide.
We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.
The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
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 *.
Year 1
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
Year 2
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)
Year 3
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)
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.
A foundation year prepares you for the rest of your course, and focuses on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. We'll also start to look at some more subject-specific topics.
We will assess your progress in a number of ways, including written reports, practical assignments, presentations, debates and live briefs. You’ll also create industry-style materials such as web pages, videos and podcasts. Group projects will form another key part of your assessment, giving you the opportunity to develop teamwork and communication skills, often through real outreach activities like delivering conservation sessions for local schools.
You’ll need a laptop, along with standard safety equipment for outdoor work. This includes steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons, long-sleeved overalls and a waterproof jacket and trousers. The estimated cost is between £100 and £250.
You’ll also need notebook and paper for note taking, pens, pencils folders and a scientific calculator.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in optional animal and conservation trips, both locally and overseas. Please note that these trips are self-funded at your own expense.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
Experience hands-on learning in state-of-the-art laboratory spaces on our Lordship campus.
Explore our diverse range of on-site animals including Shetland ponies, goats, birds, reptiles, rodents, rabbits, alpacas, donkeys, ferrets and more.
Experience our on-site working farm, home to sheep, pigs and cattle and set within our expansive 150-hectare campus.
Discover our dedicated conservation areas at ARU Writtle.
Entry requirements
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
Main
5 GCSEs at grade D, or grade 3, or above and evidence of two years post-GCSE study at Level 3.
If you have achieved at least grade E in one A level, or equivalent, you are exempt from the two years post-GCSE study requirement, but you still must meet the GCSE requirements.
Applicants who do not meet the two years post GCSE study at level 3 may be considered based on their satisfactory employment history, which must be a minimum of two years full time employment supported by employer evidence and deemed appropriate by the University for meeting the course of study applied for.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 5.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
See entry requirements for the BA or BSc (Hons)
See entry requirements for the BA or BSc (Hons)
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals benefiting from citizens’ rights under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
£4,895UK students starting 2026/27 (part-time, per year)
Part-time fee notes
Part-time course fees assume that you’re studying at half the rate of a full-time student (50% intensity, or 60 credits per year). Course fees will be different if you study over a longer period, or for more credits. All fees are for guidance purposes only. Your offer letter will contain full details of credits and fees, or you can contact us if you'd like more information.
Paying your tuition fees If you're a UK student, you don't need the money to pay for university now.
If you accept an offer to study at university, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your course fees.
Both full-time and part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. You'll start repaying the loan in the April after you graduate.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals benefiting from citizens’ rights under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
£4,895UK students starting 2026/27 (part-time, per year)
Part-time fee notes
Part-time course fees assume that you’re studying at half the rate of a full-time student (50% intensity, or 60 credits per year). Course fees will be different if you study over a longer period, or for more credits. All fees are for guidance purposes only. Your offer letter will contain full details of credits and fees, or you can contact us if you'd like more information.
Paying your tuition fees If you're a UK student, you don't need the money to pay for university now.
If you accept an offer to study at university, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your course fees.
Both full-time and part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. You'll start repaying the loan in the April after you graduate.
Our Money Advice Service is on hand if you’d like to chat about living costs, budgets and managing your money. You can also find out more about student finance at one of our Open Days.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university.
If you're eligible for a scholarship, you'll generally receive it automatically – there's no need to apply.
Our campus employment bureau, ARU Temps, can help you find part-time work that fits around your studies (including any time you may spend on placements). It's a great chance to enhance your CV and boost your income while you study.
Dr Jonathan Amory
Dr Steven Allain
Terri Amory
Dr Sife Chikunya
Dr Nnenna Ugwu
