We need to set our sights on understanding the big issues that stand in the way of a sustainable future. Issues like deforestation, habitat fragmentation and the unprecedented decline of wildlife populations across the globe. These are problems that won’t solve themselves, and it’s the talent and passion of graduates that will drive the necessary science to get our natural world back on track. We’ve designed our FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation programme with this in mind. Emphasising practical skills underpinned by a strong academic and scientific core, and placing employability and real-world relevance squarely at the heart of what the course is all about. Ultimately, it’ll give you everything you need to progress to working in the sector, whether that’s on conservation programmes in the UK or abroad, or working in ecological consultancy. The structure of our FdSc programme is important to how you will build these vital skills. The modules themselves provide a solid grounding in the basics of ecological theory, survey techniques, statistics and scientific report writing. You’ll look at how organisms have adapted to their environments, and in some cases, how they’ve changed the ecology around them. The fundamentals of zoology will also be covered - looking at the diversity of life and how evolution has led to the organisms we see today. You’ll be building your practical skillset throughout collecting data, surveying and monitoring wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll gain experience using GIS, operating machinery such as chainsaws or brush cutters and working towards licences to work with species such as bats or dormice. Exactly the type of hands-on field experience that employers are looking for. The second year of study gives you the space to specialise, and you can choose to focus on global conservation or in conservation closer to home. This can mean rewilding or habitat restoration or protected species survey or reintroduction programmes.Our inspirational location makes Cornwall College Newquay unlike any other university setting in the UK. With its diverse range of wildlife and habitats, there’s no better place to study the natural world than Cornwall. Not only that but you’ll be joining a collective of trailblazing students, challenging the status quo. Inquisitive minds finding new ways to protect, restore and develop the natural world around us. They are part of a new generation whose passion for the environment is flourishing in this time of crisis. They are the generation restoration. Cornwall has a vibrant conservation community to match its surroundings, and our students take an active role in collaborating with likeminded groups, charities and businesses in the region. As well as an ongoing 20-year partnership with Newquay Zoo, the college has strong ties with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Newquay Marine Group, Cornwall Birds and many more. This allows industry-focused, ground-roots conservation work experience to be embedded directly into your programme of study. Another advantage is the smaller size of our campus. Unlike larger universities, you’ll find that student-teacher collaboration is commonplace at our campus. We often encourage students who write exceptional and publishable project reports to work with our research-active lecturers for scientific publication, with them as the lead author.