About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Some of the modules on the course are taught at the University (see course content). The course will broaden the students' view of the management of the UK's rural resource. It will include the analysis of the legislation, issues, policy and planning that drive rural change; an examination of landscape scale ecology and investigation of land use from a sustainability perspective. It will also give you an opportunity to investigate a topic of your choice through a research dissertation.
The UK countryside is a multi-function resource which has to balance the needs and interests of leisure, conservation, industry, food and farming. Furthermore, this rural resource is a product of thousands of years of anthropogenic management which has produced the countryside we see today. There is a considerable responsibility placed therefore on managing it appropriately.
Designed for students with some knowledge of the UK countryside, this programme offers a specialised route to top-up to an Honours Degree in Rural Resource Management for students holding a Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject.
Learning and assessment
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, debates, assignments, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and industry based case studies.
Progression
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for further qualifications such as MSc, M Phil, PhD.
Careers
There is increasing pressure on organisations to build links between agriculture and newer methods of managing the land. The top-up degree is therefore aimed at students who want to pursue careers within organisations such as DEFRA, Environment Agency, Natural England, local planning authorities, Councils, advisory bodies and land management consultancies.
Other opportunities include countryside ranger, ecological surveyor, farm conservation advisor, education officer. Many job opportunities exist within the conservation and commercial sectors, and potential employers include the Environment Agency, River Trusts, Natural England, Local Authorities, National Trust, Canal and Rivers Trust, Wildlife trusts and private consultancy.
