Wildlife and Conservation Management HND

Course code 344D

What is special about this course?

Land use and human activity have put unprecedented pressure on the world’s environments. Could you help Scotland lead the way against climate change and transition to a net zero economy?

Gain a broader knowledge of nature and climate issues, on this HND Wildlife and Conservation Management, as we enable you to pivot between key areas and opportunities in this fast-growing and dynamic green economy. Explore the role of public engagement in planning and conservation, take part in study trips, and gain unique insights into the current challenges facing conservation and wildlife managers. Use wildlife management techniques in a work-based setting and gain greater understanding of a broad range of UK species, habitats, and their management, as you examine the physical landscape, the processes which created it, and the effects on the distribution of habitats. 

Learn important fundamentals such as peatland restoration, habitat monitoring, conservation, land management, and sustainable wildlife management, as you embrace this learning experience to take your first steps into this field or develop new skills to use in your current role. Either way, our curriculum team are a leading force in contemporary land-based education: let us help you find the most direct route to achieving your goals.

Special features

  • Online delivery - study from any location in the UK with internet connectivity
  • Course team have many years of experience in conservation and wildlife management, plus strong links to sector organisations, creating extensive networking opportunities for students
  • You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances and lifestyle
  • Highly suited to part-time study, particularly if you are employed in the environmental sector or can undertake an industry placement as part of the course
  • Study individual modules as CPD

Entry requirements

  • 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR
  • 1 A level at grade D or above
  • Prospective students without the standard entry requirements or with relevant experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
  • Advanced entry to year 2 is possible with HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management

Year 1 - HNC

Year 1 of this course is:

Year 2 - HND

You will study the following core modules:

  • Applied interpretation
  • Data collection and handling methods
  • Ecological surveying
  • Education for sustainability: principles and practise
  • Freshwater environments: management and protection
  • Geographic information systems
  • Habitat management
  • Heritage studies
  • Interpretation and visitor management techniques
  • Leadership of countryside activities
  • Marine environments: management and protection
  • Sustainable tourism and rural communities
  • Terrestrial ecology
  • Wildlife and conservation management graded unit 2
  • Wildlife and conservation management graded unit 3

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Part-time modular (standalone modules)
  • This course is mainly delivered online with scheduled sessions and tutorials
  • It is recommended that you attend classes online, but sessions will also be recorded and available to access in your own time
  • Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
  • You will take part in a mandatory online induction in September/October

How long will my course last?

  • Full-time: 2 years @ 14 hours per week
  • Part-time: 4 years @ 7 hours per week
  • Part-time modular

Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.

Where can I study my course?

  • North, West and Hebrides
  • This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the UK. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at North, West and Hebrides

Start date

  • September

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time per year £1,285 £1,285
Part-time (per HN credit) £86 £86

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time per year £7,110 £7,110
Part-time (per HN credit) £474 £474

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) 2023-24 2024-25
Full-time per year £7,980 £8,775
Part-time (per HN credit) £532 £585

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider the following careers:

  • Conservation officer
  • Environmental clerk of works
  • Environmental consultancy
  • Estate management
  • Land use manager
  • Wildlife management

Can I progress into further study?

You may wish to progress from the HND Wildlife and Conservation Management to the following courses:

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Wildlife and Conservation Management HND

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.