HND Environmental Conservation Management

01 Sep 2026 - 30 Aug 2028

Course Leader Lyn Evans
Course Team Gareth Powell
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions Bridgend College
Modes of Study Full Time, Part Time

Document Version

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 30 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

The HND/HNC in Environmental Conservation Management will utilise benchmark statements from the Quality Assurance Agency. Students are actively encouraged to undertake work experience with relevant professional bodies in order to develop the skills required for working and progressing within these organisations.The high level of applied theoretical and vocational training as well as links with employers constitutes the core element of the programme. This serves to balance the academic and vocational elements to maintain academic standards whilst enhancing employability. Students are encouraged and aided in seeking work experience placements that suit their career aspirations. Suchplacements will provide not only knowledge, but also transferable skills essential for employment in the land-based sector.A new report published by the environmental think–tank ‘Green Alliance’ claims the green economy is now a major factor in delivering jobs and investment in Wales and holds the key to economic recovery. According to the report published August2012, there are now more low carbon and environmental jobs in Wales than in motor trades, financial services and telecommunications.Furthermore, the report found while the general economy will only return to 2007 levels by 2014 at the earliest, the green economy will have grown by 40% in that same period.Sustainable development and protecting biodiversity is increasingly a consideration in political and commercial decisionmaking and the award seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills to gain employment in these expanding areas.This award recognises the strategic priorities for the economic and social recovery of businesses and communities in the countryside It will serve to provide graduates who will contribute to the development of a dynamic, competitive and sustainable rural economy.The award complements existing higher education provision at the college and provides a progression route for our land-based learners. As the only provider of a vocational course at this level in South Wales the college is in a relatively strong recruitment position.The award has received strong support for its module content from former land-based learners at the centre. The awards have been received particularly well due to their progressive approach and ability to adapt to the contemporary needs of the land based sector.LANTRA are UK’s Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries and the award has been developed taking intoaccount the LANTRA Skills Assessment 2010/11 report. LANTRA have been consulted on the structure and content of the programme and are supportive of the course provision as it provides essential training for the sector.

Educational Aim

All Bridgend College courses are developed in line with the College’s mission statement to facilitate all learners and staff to “be all that you can be”.

The HND/C in Environmental Conservation Management allows individuals to benefit from progression from Further Education courses to Higher Education, or to retrain in the environmental conservation sector to achieve their maximum potential. Local opportunities for these courses are limited due to little regional competition and therefore this provision is invaluable to allow for continued provision in this subject area.

The aims of the HNC course are to:

Investigate factors which have influenced the development of current land use.

Introduce candidates to the concept of habitats and their management.

Develop basic ecological and environmental knowledge.

Develop Core Skills.

Enable learners to exercise initiative in carrying out defined activities at a professional level.

Enable learners to work with others in support of current professional practice under guidance.

 

The aims of the HND course are to:

Justify, plan and carry out an environmental project.

Develop knowledge of practical management of biodiversity in the countryside.

Develop specific ecological and environmental knowledge.

Develop Core Skills including data handling.

Enable learners to exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities at a professional level.

Enable learners to take significant managerial or supervisory responsibility for the work of others in defined areas of work.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Evaluate and interpret the knowledge, skills and principles which relate theory to practice in environmental conservation.
A2 Appraise and develop practical competence in relation to industry standards and apply skills with professional understanding.
A3 Demonstrate a critical awareness of the principles of modern practices in environmental conservation.
A4 Appraise and interpret relevant theory relating to environmental conservation practice.
B1 Research and evaluate subject specific facts, theories and concepts.
B2 Appraise a variety of methods accurately for a well-defined problem and draw appropriate conclusions.
B3 Compare and select numerical conventions, interpreting trends and data.
B4 Interpret data effectively in the presentation of an argument.
C1 Critique competencies relevant to professional roles that meet industry standards.
C2 Reflect and appraise skills to propose areas for improvement.
C3 Recommend relevant IT applications to the environmental conservation sector.
C4 Justify and assess sound practical knowledge and skills within the chosen sector.

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
BI1S93 MOD010377 Academic and Vocational Skills Running 20 specified
ES1S43 MOD005064 Practical Conservation Skills Running 20 specified
ES1S52 MOD005098 Environmental Management Running 20 specified
ES1S53 MOD005099 Amenity Land Use Running 20 specified
ES1S54 MOD005101 Grassland Management Running 20 specified
ES1S55 MOD005102 Woodland Management Running 20 specified

Level 5 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
BI2S122 MOD010380 Professional Practice and Employability in the Landbased Sector Running 20 specified
ES2S59 MOD005104 Ecology Running 20 specified
ES2S61 MOD005106 Freshwater Management Running 20 specified
ES2S73 MOD010383 Geographical Information System Management Running 20 optional
ES2S74 MOD010384 Livestock Production Systems Running 20 optional
ES2S75 MOD010385 Project Management Running 20 specified
ES2S78 MOD010394 Farm Habitat and Environment Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Year 1:LecturesLectures provide a guide to relevant content, methodologies, techniques and associated issues.SeminarsTutor-supported seminars allow flexible classroom time for students to learn by doing, to practice, to discuss and to demonstrate their work.TutorialsTutorials, within modules, clarify and reflect on lecture content and use problem solving scenarios and case studies. These are independent of, and different to, the weekly pastoral tutorials.GroupworkTutor-supported groupwork enhances the development and utilisation of skills and abilities to effectively deal with a broad range of communication methods including those specific to the subject area.Practical Classes and WorkshopsSupervised laboratory periods provide hands-on experience of a variety of ICT tools, Industry software and techniques.FieldworkSupervised fieldwork periods provide hands-on experience of a variety of practical application tools, Industry software and techniques.External Visits(including fieldtrips)Supervised external visits provides students the opportunity to observe industry relevant practices and the techniques used to support these practices.Directed Study (including Online Learning)Directed study is time specifically devoted to completing assessments and preparing for examinations.Independent StudyIndependent study broadens learning through reference to flexible learning materials available via the Virtual Learning Environment, set Library texts, journal papers and electronic sources.Formative assessment-independentAll modules contain elements of formative assessment as well as summative assessments. These include examinations, presentations, group tasks, reports, reflective journals, and many more. Learners review their own progress in these assessments and consider them when setting individual learning targets. Year 2:LecturesLectures provide a guide to relevant content, methodologies, techniques and associated issues.SeminarsTutor-supported seminars allow flexible classroom time for students to learn by doing, to practice, to discuss and to demonstrate their work.Project SupervisionProject supervision meetings provide an opportunity for students to receive personal advice and encouragement on their project work.Practical Classes and WorkshopsSupervised laboratory periods provide hands-on experience of a variety of ICT tools, Industry software and techniques.FieldworkSupervised fieldwork periods provide hands-on experience of a variety of practical application tools, Industry software and techniques.External Visits(including fieldtrips)Supervised external visits provides students the opportunity to observe industry relevant practices and the techniques used to support these practices.Directed Study (including Online Learning)Directed study is time specifically devoted to completing assessments and preparing for examinations.Independent StudyIndependent study broadens learning through reference to flexible learning materials available via the Virtual Learning Environment, set Library texts, journal papers and electronic sources.PlacementStudents work through the process of researching and applying for a placement including producing a professional CV, covering letter and Interview techniques.Reflection allows students a thorough understanding of the organisation and job roles, gaining valuable industry experience to enhance their employment prospects.Formative assessment-independentAll modules contain elements of formative assessment as well as summative assessments. These include examinations, presentations, group tasks, reports, reflective journals, and many more. Learners review their own progress in these assessments and consider them when setting individual learning targets.

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

Industry links are well established and the course has an excellent reputation with NGOs and government organisations throughout the area. Many ex-students are in managerial positions within these organisations enjoy returning to the campus to provide talks etc.

Volunteering

Staff led volunteering opportunities are run in house, students have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of activities which enhances their employability skills.

Students are encouraged to volunteer with organisations in the sector and staff have excellent contact with potential employers in the area.

Fieldwork

Pencoed Campus has an array of on-site resources to deliver the course, including 110 acres supporting a wide range of habitats that the students actively manage.

Fieldtrips

Situated in central South Wales the course draws on resources such as Brecon Beacons National Park, Gower Peninsular AONB, Heritage Coast, Pembrokeshire National Park, Kenfig National Nature Reserve and many other local areas run by organisations in the sector. Field trips to these unique landscapes offers a wide range of experiential learning opportunities in pristine habitats.

Work Placements

Students are encouraged to arrange their own placements with local organisations in the sector and staff have excellent contact with potential employers in the area who can provide support.

Employer Forums

Employer forums allow students to discuss relevant developments within the industry and gain first-hand knowledge of employer requirements and expectations.

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Induction

The College places critical importance on thorough induction procedures which make new learners feel welcome, valued and settled in their chosen course. This forms the basis from which learners can undertake their studies effectively and begin to make a contribution to their course. All learners receive a course induction upon commencement of the course, they are directed to critical information to support their study, e.g. student handbook, module handbooks, assessment schedules etc.

Personal tutor

All HE learners at the college are assigned a personal tutor who can act as a first point of contact. Weekly pastoral tutorial sessions are run by the personal tutor and provide a dedicated time and opportunity for any issues (personal or course-related) to be raised in either a group setting or on an individual basis.

Office hours

Office hours at Bridgend College are between 8.30am and 5pm, (Monday to Thursday), and 8.30am – 4.30pm (Friday).

Tutorials

Learners have a mixture of group and individual pastoral tutorials through the year in a dedicated tutorial slot with their personal tutor. Module lecturers may also choose to provide module-specific tutorials to the learners as deemed necessary.

Seminars

Small class sizes on the course allows for a more interactive style of lesson that more closely resembles seminars than lectures, with learners encouraged to participate and enter into discussions with the rest of the group and the lecturer.

Formative Assessment

In line with the University’s Assessment for Learning policy, all modules contain elements of formative assessment as well as their summative assessments. The format of these assessments could include (but is not limited to) examinations, presentations, group tasks, reports, reflective journals, and many more. The style of assessment varies between modules, but is clearly linked to relevant learning outcomes. Feedback from these formative assessments is provided to the learners via a combination of written and verbal feedback, as appropriate to the piece of work and context. Learners are encouraged to review their own progress in these assessments and consider them when setting individual learning targets.

Progress meetings

Learners participate in three individual tutorials a year with their personal tutor. These tutorials are used to discuss progress and set individual learning targets.

Online Resources

Learners are provided with an ATHENS account and a Bridgend College Google account with personal storage space, scanning and printing facilities, and access to the G Suite of apps. The Bridgend College Moodle and USW network facilities are available for all learners enrolled on courses in the college.

Advice Centres

Learner support is available at Bridgend College from the HE Office which is located on the first floor of A block at Bridgend campus. The HE team provide advice and guidance on HE applications, enrolment, finance, and on course support and liaison with USW.

DDS Service

Learners with disabilities are able to access assessment by the college Disability and Dyslexia Service [DDS] and support can be provided to meet their needs. This includes one to one in class support, interpreters, note takers and specialist equipment. Support may also take the form of one to one meetings for study skills/organisational skills support. All support resourcing is allocated on an individual learner basis in order to ensure closest fit of support to enable their engagement with learning.

IT/Library

Upon enrolment all learners receive an induction to the Educational Library / Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at Bridgend College on the Cowbridge Road Campus. Early on in the course, the learners then receive an induction to the Pencoed Campus LRC. The LRCs hold a wide range of materials for study including books and journals in both hard copy and electronic format. Learners are able to request library books using the Library catalogue. A dedicated HE study room is available for learners’ quiet use with study space and 12 PCs; this is in addition to the PCs and Chromebooks available for all learners to use within the LRC. There are MFDs which photocopy, print and scan e-mail which are all available for learner use. All requirements for additional needs are supported.

All learners are encouraged to visit the University’s libraries, which provide a range of different learning spaces including individual, group study and PC areas. They also offer Wi-Fi access to the university network and library users are welcome to use their own laptops within the libraries.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Higher National Diploma 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above and the remaining credits at Level 4 or above Final
Certificate of Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 Exit

Progression Route

No progression is currently available with USW however BSc Landbased Business Management (Top-up) is being proposed concurrently with this revalidation within the Faculty of Business and Society.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

48 UCAS points (2017 tariff) [2 D’s at A level]

Mature applicants lacking formal entry requirements but with relevant and/or industrial experience will also be considered.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A

Methods Of Quality Standards

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Quality Of Standards Indicators

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