Distance Learning - Nature Conservation Qualification.

Owl-Light · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 08:38 AM

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

Billy Wobble Dagger · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 04:10 PM

I've been looking for something like this for ages. I've searched the internet, well got google to do it for me, Birmingham Uni all so does distance learning but you need to attend the field studies part as well. There are also a couple of places that do NVQs but again you have to attend. My local college were going to run a basic conservation course last year, but they cancelled it due to lack of interest. I might give the UEL a call, thanks for the heads up Owl-Light.