Course Overview
Please note this course is subject to validation.
The Foundation Degree in Marine Biology and Rehabilitation will give you an overview of marine biology, ecology, and conservation as well as practical skills in ecology, aquatic animal health and husbandry, and the rescue and rehabilitation of marine life. You will investigate marine habitats and biodiversity from estuaries to the deep ocean, explore how a range of marine organisms and ecosystem's function, examine the threats they face and critically evaluate how to conserve them.
Within our Animal Rescue Centre, you will work alongside our veterinary team, experienced academic and technical staff, to gain expertise in marine animal rehabilitation, as well as proficiency in aquarist skills. Furthermore, the wider ecological, ethical, and social issues affecting marine wildlife will be explored, including human impacts and differing people's relationship with the ocean, from different indigenous cultures to ecotourism.
Foundation Degrees are intermediate level higher education qualifications. They emphasise work-based learning and concentrate on the development of personal and professional development and employability skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, the application of number and the use of information technology.
This Course is awarded by the University of Cumbria.
"The University of Cumbria enjoys a strong and longstanding partnership with Kendal College. Working with Kendal College supports the University's objective to increase higher education participation across the county, and this programme aligns well with the University's Mission to inspire and equip graduates, communities, economy, and environment to thrive. Your course will be delivered by Kendal College and quality assured by the University of Cumbria."
Modules:
- Core Scientific and Study Skills
- Marine Invertebrates
- Marine Vertebrate Biology
- Marine Ecology
- Marine Animal Rescue
- Aquatic Animal Health and Husbandry
- Research Methodology and Data Analysis
- Marine Conservation
- Oceans and People
- Animal Behaviour
- Aquatic Wildlife and Habitat Surveys
- Marine Biology in Education
Delivery of the course content will include formal lectures, seminars, small group work and supported independent study, with additional experience gained through a range of educational visits, visiting speakers, wildlife surveys and the ongoing assessment of marine wildlife casualty cases, presenting to Kendal College Animal Rescue Centre.
Assessment methods:
Essays, group work, peer assessment, presentations, written reports, exams, projects, portfolios and practical assessments.
Additional Costs:
- Recommended textbooks (approximately GBP100)
- Kendal College Animal Rescue Centre scrub top and trousers (approximately GBP30)
- Copying and printing fees
- Entry fees to organisations and establishments as part of educational visits
- Optional group (overseas and/or national travel) volunteering opportunities
- Optional costs: Scuba dive training, Marine Mammal Medic course
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to have a minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points normally including A2 in Biology or a merit grade in Anatomy and Physiology-based BTEC Level 3 unit or equivalent (16 points can be from other Tariff Based Qualifications). GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Applicants to the Foundation Degree with experience of working in this area but without the academic entry criteria will need to demonstrate their potential to succeed. This will be judged by submission of an essay of 1500 words on a topic set for them by a tutor before being offered a place. The essay must show that they have the potential to succeed on the programme in the view of the tutor.
After Your Course
On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, students may also have the opportunity to progress onto The University of Cumbria BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Conservation Degree, based at the University of Cumbria in Ambleside, and subsequently seek work as a ranger, reserves manager, or biodiversity officer for many different conservation organisations (for example Rivers Trusts, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Sharks Trust, and Marine Conservation Society). There are many opportunities to find employment with environmental consultancies or statutory authorities like the Environment Agency, and the practical curriculum at the University of Cumbria, aligned with the CIEEM competencies, means you may be eligible to apply for chartered status with a range of Environmental or Ecological Institutes upon graduation, further enhancing your graduate prospects.
Fees
£6000.00
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are per year.
Other costs may be associated with this course, e.g., kit, equipment, books, trips, etc. Financial support may be available to support you with these. See the Student Money pages for more information.
Degree-level student finance
Whether you qualify for student finance depends on specific criteria. The main student finance package for full-time students includes a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan for living costs. Part-time students can access a tuition fee loan to pay for their courses. Generally, you will only get student finance if you’re doing your first degree-level qualification. This is true even if your previous course was self-funded. For further information, please see www.gov.uk/student-finance.
It is possible to pay in full or via instalments.
The Access to Learning Fund is a non-repayable discretionary fund that gives students facing hardship extra financial support to access and remain in higher education. This can be accessed via the college. Please speak to Student Services for more information.
