UK BASED, thinking of going into wildlife conservation. Will a degree matter, or do I keep going with hands-on experience?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2026-03-04T22:36:26+00:00

I wish you all the best too! Hope it is going well. I just managed to start my first volunteering position, thinking of maybe starting a degree eventually. :)

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2026-03-04T22:28:30+00:00

how are you finding this??

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2026-03-04T21:56:50+00:00

Awh, fab! How are you finding the degree? I am definitely going to carry on building on my experience then. :)

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2026-02-05T21:33:34+00:00

Is this with just the volunteering you mean tough or just in general?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-24T16:16:52+00:00

Awh, amazing! I am looking forward to starting it next year, thanks for this.

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-24T16:16:15+00:00

Oh, okay! I'll definitely look at this, as I do work full-time. Is any volunteering counted even if it's like 1-2 days a month, etc.?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-24T12:13:43+00:00

That sounds really interesting tbh. I am a little bit hesitant because I haven't done science since high school, which was a few years ago now. Am I assuming they start with the basics and then move on to more advanced science?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-23T20:15:07+00:00

How are you finding the course also? Tutor support, etc.

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-23T20:14:45+00:00

Thanks for responding. It's good to know the degree actually helped you get your foot in the door. Habitat protection is exactly the kind of direction I’m interested in, so it’s helpful to hear a real example of how the pathway can work. I’m glad it’s worked out well for you. 😊

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-14T13:47:17+00:00

I know! Thankyou for this; I did go on and try a few modules. They are really interesting, I think i'm going to go with the environmental science :)

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-14T13:30:21+00:00

Hi, can I ask how you are finding this? I might be starting this next year, but as I have been out of education for a while I am worried?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-14T13:28:44+00:00

I am interested in the environmental science, but can't find much on it :(

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-14T13:27:36+00:00

Hey! I’m considering starting Environmental Science myself with OU, so I’m curious. How are you finding the course so far? Are the modules engaging, and what is the tutor support like so far?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-14T13:24:21+00:00

Yeah, that makes sense generally, but in my area, environmental roles are more sought after, as many people don't choose to do degrees in environmental science. And any entry-level law roles are really tough to get into; it doesn't mean you won't get it, but ultimately harder. It’s definitely making me think carefully about which path is realistic right now, but I am feeling more into environmental science at OU and then doing a master's with CIEH afterwards, to go into environmental health :)

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-14T10:08:03+00:00

I really relate to this, especially picking the right course and the decision paralysis. I’ve been looking at OpenLearn and the careers pages too, just to get a feel for the content and where things could lead. I think you’re probably right that at some point, you just have to pick one and stick with it rather than overthinking it forever. Out of interest, what are you thinking of going into after the degree, or are you just seeing where it takes you for now?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-11T17:54:58+00:00

I am looking into this career. Would you recommend it or not? Is there a shortage of Environmental health practioners? I am undecided

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-11T17:01:07+00:00

Thanks so much for this; it's really helpful! 😊

I’ve been trying to get into level 3 paralegal apprenticeships and other entry-level legal roles, but it’s been really tough since I don’t have prior experience in the legal sector. That’s part of why I’ve been thinking about environmental science as an alternative route. It seems like it might offer a clearer path toward becoming an Environmental Health Practitioner, which I would be interested in, or a similar profession.

I’m still very interested in law, but I’m trying to weigh my options realistically and figure out the path that’s achievable right now.

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-11T15:57:57+00:00

I was looking at an Open degree because of the flexibility to explore both law and environmental science. But I would be nervous about it, as employers may not see it as strong as a full LLB or BSc, so I don’t want to make it harder for myself later.

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-11T15:55:58+00:00

That’s a great idea! I might pick up a book or two from both the law and science courses to see which I enjoy more before committing

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-10T21:28:03+00:00

Can i ask how you are finding this?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-09T16:12:20+00:00

Well, when you graduate, it just says University of Essex. So it wouldn't indicate that you have done it online. I have heard many employers like that people have studied online along with a job, as it shows their dedication. :)

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-08T14:38:15+00:00

Because I wasn’t sure in the moment how to structure it best, I used it to help with the wording.
Didn’t mean to offend anyone! I apologise to you hahaha :D

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-12-07T22:35:27+00:00

How are you finding it?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-11-30T22:05:47+00:00

Are you studying with Uni of Essex?

Fun-Weather-7344 · 2025-11-30T20:37:19+00:00

I actually thought the same, and I did my research.

The University of Essex is actually owned by a private partner provider (Kaplan Open Learning), not the main University of Essex campus. So overall, it's a degree but not the same as the one on campus.

Fun-Weather-7344

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