Certificate of Higher Education Wildlife and Environmental Conservation
Course Details
-
Subject Areas
-
Qualification
Level 4 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
1 Year -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Develop your understanding of the natural world through this introductory higher education programme, designed to provide a strong foundation in wildlife and environmental conservation. The CertHE Wildlife and Environmental Conservation is ideal for those with a passion for protecting biodiversity and conserving habitats, while building the knowledge and skills needed for further study or employment within the environmental sector. 
UCAS Code
D326
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
Develop your understanding of the natural world through this introductory higher education programme, designed to provide a strong foundation in wildlife and environmental conservation. The CertHE Wildlife and Environmental Conservation is ideal for those with a passion for protecting biodiversity and conserving habitats, while building the knowledge and skills needed for further study or employment within the environmental sector. 
You will explore a range of topics including  ecology, habitat management, conservation principles, evolution, and taxonomy. Through a combination of classroom-based learning and practical activities, you will develop an understanding of how species interact with their environments and the challenges facing wildlife and ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. You will also have the opportunity to choose an optional module, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. 
Practical learning is a key element of the programme. You will gain experience in field-based techniques, species identification, ecological surveying, data collection, and environmental monitoring, helping you develop skills that are widely used within the conservation industry. These experiences will strengthen your ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world conservation and environmental challenges. 
Students benefit from access to a range of specialist resources, including the BIAZA-accredited Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. This on-campus facility provides valuable opportunities to observe and study a variety of species, explore conservation practices in action, and develop an appreciation of the role that modern zoological collections play in education, research, and species conservation. 
The programme is further enhanced by the wealth of wildlife and conservation opportunities available across Yorkshire. The surrounding area offers access to a diverse range of habitats, nature reserves, wildlife trusts, and conservation organisations, providing an excellent context for fieldwork and applied learning. 
By combining academic study with practical experience, the CertHE Wildlife and Environmental Conservation provides an excellent introduction to the conservation sector and a pathway to further higher education study and careers in wildlife, ecology, habitat management, and environmental conservation. 
 Successful completion of the CertHE may also provide opportunities to progress onto the second year of a related FdSc programme, enabling you to build on your knowledge and work towards a full honours degree. This flexibility allows you to tailor your future study and career pathway to your individual interests and ambitions.
This course is 1-year full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).   
This programme is validated by Askham Bryan College
Level 4 Core Modules
Diversity of Life  
Conservation and Wildlife Management   
Ecological Conservation Skills  
Anthroecology  
Level 4 Optional Modules (choose 1)
Land Management and Ecosystem Sustainability  
River and Ocean Systems  
 We cannot guarantee placement on your preferred elective if the module does not meet the minimum enrolment requirements or is oversubscribed due to resource limitations.
Depending on the level of study students are expected to engage with a minimum of 15–20 hours per week for full-time study (including scheduled contact time and independent learning).
Minimum attendance requirement: 75% of scheduled sessions where attendance is required.
Engagement includes:
- Attending teaching sessions (face-to-face, online, or blended)
- Completing and submitting work by deadlines
- Attending tutorials, project supervision and dissertation meetings
- Participating in group work, placements, and mandatory field trips
Please see the Attendance Policy and Procedure for further details.
Key Information
Applicants should have achieved:  
64 UCAS Points 
5 GCSE’s including Maths, English and Science at Grade 4 or above.  Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSEs. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience. 
UK based students may be invited to attend an interview at Askham Bryan College and places will be subject to a satisfactory reference and may also require satisfactory completion of an assessment. 
If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, then please contact the University Centre directly.
On successful completion, students may wish to consider progressing onto the FdSc Wildlife and Environmental Conservation course at the college.
Students should discuss entry criteria and eligibility with their course manager.
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc (Hons) Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Certificate of Higher Education Fees:
2027/28 = £9,525 per academic year
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA
Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Certificate of Higher Education Fees:
2027/28 = £14,500 per academic year
Fees are charged per academic year of the course. Please note that is any restudy is required there will be tuition fees associated with this. Please refer further guidance and information on tuition fees and additional costs – Student FinanceÂ
Tuition fees are subject to an annual inflationary rise as per government guidance.
Work placement hours are not required within this 1- year course, but work experience is recommended to support your studies.
If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the programme. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.
University Centre Askham Bryan fosters diverse talents and skills through a range of engaging assessment methods tailored to hone industry standard subject skills, as well as transferable skills and graduate attributes. Assessments may include written reports, case studies, TCAs, presentations, discussions, and reflective assignments.Â
These varied approaches allow you to demonstrate your understanding of key conservation  concepts, develop your communication and problem-solving skills, and apply theory to real-world industry scenarios. 
These costs are in addition to tuition fees and accommodation (where applicable). Students will need to plan and budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you need to pay for yourself.
Below is a list with approximate additional course costs to help with your planning and budgeting.