UEL, The University of East London are now providing Undergraduate courses in Nature Conservation via distance learning. If anyone is interested here's the info I received by email this morning. Could be good. Shame I can't afford it right now
"...the first two modules being launched from the beginning of February 2007. We are launching a small number of 'short courses', 3 modules equivalent to level 1 undergraduate modules, the fourth equivalent to a level 2 undergraduate module. These will be followed (over the course of the following 1-2 years) by further short courses equivalent to undergraduate modules at levels 1-3. Each module carries an award of 'Undergraduate Associate Certificate', a generic award for single undergraduate modules. Students who successfully complete individual modules would have gained credit (20 credits) at the appropriate level that could then count towards a full award programme: e.g. undergraduate certificate (120 credits), diploma (240 credits) or degree (360 credits).
The individual modules to be launched early next year are:
Level 1: Animals, Identification and Survey - Feb 2007
Level 1: Plants, identification and survey - March 2007
Level 1: The Earth - Feb 2007
Level 2: Conservation Legislation and Evaluation - March 2007
... It is hoped that by September '07 we may be able to offer the modules as part of a certificate, diploma or degree programme rather than as individual modules, although even if this was not the case the individual modules would be 'credit-bearing' and so could be used towards a full award as and when these are made available, or even towards an award programme at another institution.
At UEL we have a standard pricing structure for distance learning modules, of £500 per undergraduate (20 credit) module. It is not a requirement of the programme that you attend for field studies, the programme is intended to be made available purely on a distance learning basis. However there may well be optional 'hands-on' sessions made available throughout the year for students who wish to participate. However this will not be a requirement of the modules and will not influence the credits awarded to an individual student. Of the 4 modules that have already been validated, assessment may be carried out by a number of means, eg by a field report, portfolio, essay, online presentations or practical exercises (these assessments do not require you to visit the UK)..."
For more info check out their site:
http://www.uel.ac.uk/dl/programmes/m...rt_nat_con.htm