Evening/Distance Courses

citychick · #1 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 05:03 PM

Hi Everyone,

I really want to persue a career in some form of conservation or ecology. Trouble is I work full time in accounts and need to work full time to pay the mortgage so need to do an evening or distance study course.

Can anyone advise?

Thanks
x

day_dreamer · #2 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 08:41 PM

Hi City Chick,

this is the course that I am hoping to start this year. I've yet to speak to the tutor and have my interview so it's not set in stone that I will yet (trying hard not to tempt fate!!).

From what I know it's distance learning with a week long residential school (in the summer I think) and 2 weekend residentials, 1 at Easter and 1 in the autumn.

You could also do Open University which I also looked at. They do an BSc Environmental Science degree, but I preferred the look of the Sheffield University foundation degree myself.

I'm only just starting out myself so can't offer any help really, but good luck in finding something that fits in well and I hope that these 2 ideas helped.

Fuzzy-felt bloke · #3 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 08:44 PM

Try this link for ideas

Countryside Jobs Service

Can you do one day a week, if so contact your local college/university as they may allow you to fill in on full time course, and do a FdSc or BSc over a longer time span.

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke

citychick · #4 (**permalink**) 25-08-2010, 07:05 PM

Do courses like this really make an impact on your CV? Compass Education and Training

Matt Smith · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by citychick

Do courses like this really make an impact on your CV? Compass Education and Training

If you are looking for a career in ecology or conservation, I would have to say the answer would be "not really" - this site would appear to be company offering "courses" with very little at the end of it. If you are going to spend money on a course, at least do it with a recognised higher education institute like an Agricultural College or University.

bee warrior · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 03:01 PM

Open University worked for me and you can get valuable experience while you learn by doing volunteer work. I worked fulltime while doing my degree. it was hard work but looking back I am so pleased I made the change!

shirl · #7 (**permalink**) 18-10-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bee warrior

Open University worked for me and you can get valuable experience while you learn by doing volunteer work. I worked fulltime while doing my degree. it was hard work but looking back I am so pleased I made the change!

I did exactly the same, worked full time to pay those all important bills and studied with the OU for a BSc Hons Natural Sciences. Yep it's hard work but I got what I wanted at the end of it so well worth the effort. Have a look and see if there is a suitable degree for you. Good luck but be prepared to burn the candle at both ends!

Shirl

tiggerbabe · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 12:02 AM

Hi there, I am currently studying with the OU - working my way towards a Degree in Environmental Studies, although I may change this next year to start a Countryside Management course as that is more fitting to where I want to be.

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!

You can have all the qualifications in the world on paper, but if you dont have the relevant work experience and life skills, you'll get overlooked! Get in as many different areas of voluntary work in your proposed field as possible.

I volunteer for the RSPB on the local reserve with the Warden, but I also do voluntary work in Primary Schools with the RSPB bringing the birds to urban schools!

Its great, and I wouldn't change a thing! Apart from getting the job of my dreams of course!

citychick · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2011, 06:49 PM

I am now looking at the OU. I would like to do something within Conservation/Ecology. I dont know which degree course would be best for me and I am finding the website really difficult to understand.

I also dont have any relevant A Levels - does this matter?

x

tiggerbabe · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 12:50 PM

I agree that the OU website can be a bit daunting - even when you are undergoing study with them, you have your own wee dedicated website and it is quite hard going at first - too many links to too many things that you lose your way a bit!

The course descriptions all give information as to the minimum entry requirements that you need for each level of course. There is no point applying, and paying for a course that you are going to struggle with.

I am studying "Environment - journeys through a changing world" at the moment, with a view to continuing onto an Environmental Studies Degree.

However, I am now on my 4th TMA (Tutor Marked Assignment) and it is not what I was hoping it would be, ie not what I am looking for.

Next year, I am thinking of changing it to an HNC/D in Countryside Management as that's what I want to get into. Only problem is only the HNC can be done by distance learning, HND requires you to attend the Uni and I can't do that with working full time.

Good luck with your search - contact the OU, they are very helpful and will discuss the best options with you.

It is an expensive mistake to take on the wrong course.