Confused about UNI/Conservation

[frizzlex]

Okay so its coming up to the time where I need to start applying for UNI and im in a bit of a muddle.
Iv wanted to work with animals for a long time and this time last year was considering taking a UNI course in Zoology. I've been looking into animal conservation, conservation biology etc and im slightly confused.

Can anyone tell me a bit of information about making the right choice?
Is it difficult to get a job involving these subjects?
Is there any other courses i should think about studying that could help me?

Im currently studying medical science and im concerned that this wont be relevent when wirting my personal statement for university, even though i cover a range of subects, e.g biology, microbiology, physics, maths, chemisty, genetics..

I've also been looking at conservation projects in africa which last for a few months, is there any chance i could take some sort of gap year to attend one of these or even study at a university in another country for my last year?

I'll be very thankful to any advice x

[Words]

Hi Frizzlex, welcome to WAB.

First off, I would think no degree will guarantee employment in today's climate so don't let that be a major consideration in your choice. It's difficult at the moment whatever field you are in. A good degree (2.1 or 1st) is important though. A science degree will stand you in good stead, and there may well be opportunities for postgraduate research later on (research funding is heavily weighted towards science).

Most universities will *not* let you study the final year in another country, but there will be some courses where you can take a year abroad in year 3 (of a 4 year degree). Many environmental/biological science degrees also include overseas field trips as part of your study (even on a 3 year degree).

Medical science should be fine, but check with the admissions departments of each of the universities you are thinking about (they all have different requirements). Also check whether you need a separate maths A level and what the overall required tariff score is.

Look through the prospectuses and go to open days and talk to the academic tutors. What you should be looking for is a course you will really enjoy (you'll do better if you enjoy it!).

There's nothing to stop you taking a gap year (and many people do). That would be up to you and whether you can find something suitable. You can apply to university now (and defer entry for a year if you are successful in getting on a conservation project), so again you can look at both at the same time.

Competition will be fierce, but determination and hard work goes a very long way! Good luck with your choices and come back if you have more questions.

[tom00_uk]

depending on your course structure the unis i have attended have allowed people to study over seas in the final 6 months of the degree if they structured their personal project in such a way that they would get a good result with out the in house support of the university.

some people when home to the gulf states, one to oz and one to some tropical island. I went to Norway and had a far better lab to work in than the university could offer, if you find a good highly regarded lecturer with contacts then many doors can open up.

[binturong85]

Hi,
I've just graduated with a degree in Zoology and Conservation and must admit that not all of it was that great. For me it was all a bit vague, with no real opportunities to specialise. Although saying that, we were lucky enough to have some fantastic experts, many of whom have been published, but sometimes it was difficult to connect all the different modules together. Also, these days, most Zoology careers involve working with GIS systems which we never even learnt about while students in another department studying Ecology courses recieved much more practical training in the desired areas. If I could go back and do it again, I'd definately look more into Ecology rather than Zoology, especially as my Conservation modules were based in the department that conducted the Ecology course.

[lizzieliz87]

If you want to get into the conservation sector you have to really want to and be prepared for a struggle to get a job that will actually pay you.

I am at the early stage of my career and to be honest I went about it the wrong way. Throughout my time at school I didnt want I want to do apart from working with animals in the science field but then changed my mind. Started uni to do psychology, realised I didnt like it and switched to Zoology, but then didnt like the modules I had to take and so switched to Ecology. I graduated with a degree in Ecology.

Then came the realisation of what was I actually going to do with the degree! I started looking at environmental management positions which some wanted a MSc for. In the end I found a MSc course that interested me and took the course, which I have just finished.

However I was naive and didnt realise how much volunteering work you need to do to actually get a paid job. So I am now in the postition of 5 years at uni and still no job prospect as I really need the voluntary experience!

What has helped me the most is talking to people in the field, finding out what they do and how they got there and what they look for in CVs. I am now looking for as many volunteering opportunities as possible and internships to apply for to get that work environment experience. Not so easy when you live in the North of Scotland and interns are in London! However I am getting involved with BTO surveys and assisting the local RSPB office, attending resisdential volunteering opportunities.

Another tip, you have to decide what area you want to specialise in, I am only discovering what I want to do through uni opportunities and volunteering with Birdlife Malta

Good luck