Studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science in Canterbury is the perfect destination. Not only has Molly explored the local area, but she's ventured out to different environments outside of the city. 

Not only has she loved visiting some of the country's most beautiful areas, but Molly's also enjoyed getting stuck in with the practical side of her course too. 

Read why Molly loves studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at CCCU.

1) Using specialist equipment and facilities

The state-of-the-art lab facilities in the Verena Holmes Building are an incredible place to learn. Being able to complete practicals using industry-level equipment will have a lasting benefit when I enter the workplace, as I know that I’ll have the skills and confidence to use it.

What’s more, we start using these specialist facilities from the first week of our degree, which is really exciting as other universities only let their third year students use high-tech equipment. Not only do we start working in the labs from the very beginning, but we can book to use certain pieces of equipment for our own projects.

The lecturers trust that we’ll use the equipment and facilities with respect, which really fosters a positive learning environment.

2) Learning in the local area

The local area is the perfect place to study ecology. There is such a range of environments around Canterbury, including as the coast, countryside, and the cities, so it’s easy to investigate the relationships between the natural and human environment.

3) Exploring various places

The trips that are offered within my Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science degree allow us to visit various places and be able to apply practical skills which have been learnt on campus.

We’ve visited Bilbao where we were lucky enough to visit and explore a wide range of soil and plant types to build on our knowledge, which was developed during our practical week.

We also visited Pegwell Bay, which wasn’t too far from Canterbury, to look at ancient and modern processes.

Our next trip is to Lundy, where we'll conduct our own research on animal behaviour.

4) Studying alongside expert lecturers

The lecturers are what makes the course so special. With their wide range of expertise, you can guarantee that there’s at least one academic that can help you with any potential projects.

They also encourage any questions and never make you feel nervous or embarrassed if your knowledge isn’t up to date.

We’re also on first-name terms with our teaching staff, which really helps in building those positive relationships. It’s not like at school where there’s a traditional power dynamic. Our lecturers are more like friends and it’s reassuring to know that we can ask for help and support at any time.

5) Gaining the skills needed for employment

The intensive practical weeks are a unique feature of the course, and these weeks have so many benefits for students studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science.

Being in amazing facilities for a whole week with a knowledgeable team allows us to build up so many practical skills, which will boost employability after we graduate.

During these weeks we also build up a competency portfolio which include all the skills that have been developed over the three years of the degree, which will be beneficial when showing future employers.

Overall, the course prioritises the skills that will set us up for employment upon graduation. Not only do we engage with the practical side of wildlife conservation, but we can take the Work Placement module in year 2, which gives us the opportunity to work in industry.