more higher education questions

[davidlittlefair]

So, I'm a graduate, twenty two, with a first class degree in Applied Communication. I have no scientific background, my scientific achievements end with a C in Biology at A Level, however I do have a good record of academic achievement and consider myself quite bright.
I have been working in e-marketing since i graduated, and, after a nice little quarter life crisis, have begun to feel a desperate urge to be of tangible benefit to the environment.

In fostering an interest in conservation I've begun to volunteer with my local WWT and I'm now looking to return to education this September.

I have looked at the standard HNDs described in the other posts here, such as this one:
Wildlife Conservation - Foundation Degree (FdSc) - Nottingham Trent University

but i'm worried without a biology or zoology qualification, a diploma mightnt be too useful compared to those with MScs in relevant subjects...

another subject that has caught my eye while browsing is this:
The University of Nottingham Postgraduate Prospectus - Environmental History

this might play more to my strengths, I pick up theory pretty easily, and tend to be better with abstract thinking than maths and the like..

i wonder if anyone could see how this qualification might be of any use?

thanks in advance for your help.


David

[JonSadler]

Without a related degree (e.g. biology, Environmental Science, Geography etc) it will be difficult to get yourself on a MSc in ecology (or similar programme). An HND or diploma would be a good idea. Have you looked at Continuing Education Courses? Many institutions run these and you might have a better chance there. They are several diplomas in biological recording for example that would give you a route into the environmental field. As has been mentioned here a good few time before what is lacking in this market are good field skills. So volunteering and arming yourself with specialist skills in a group of organisms will certainly help - keep it up. You are probably correct that a diploma might not stack up too well against a Masters but with your strong first (no pun intended) degree, a diploma you'd have a shot, especially with some field survey experience and a taxonomic specialism.

Best of luck.

Jon

[Words]

David, it's probably worth talking to the university departments to see what they say. You may face a 'funding' problem. The government recently announced that they wouldn't fund 'equivalent or lower qualifications' (ELQs). That doesn't affect fees directly, but it means the university won't get core funding for your place if you do another degree or diploma. They only get government money if you opt to go for a postgrad qualification. It's a dreadful decision, but is already making it harder to switch careers and get further training. So much for 'lifelong learning'. The upshot is that you may find it easier to get on the Environmental History programme. Check with them what career areas it leads to.

[Amylou]

Yup you wont get funding unless you are progressing to a higher level. Its so stupid.

[eeyore]

i dont know anything about the nottingham course per se but some post grad courses will take relevant life experience (such as volunteering) into account particularly when you have a first degree but it isnt relevant. (bournemouth are a good example of this)

there is also the option of doing a post grad course by distance learning and paying for it by working while you study. I did the msc in countryside management from birkbeck college london in this way , while a freind of mine is currently doing one from exeter university