About This Course
The course, fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, provides students with detailed knowledge and expertise of direct relevance to the modern forest manager and those working in associated disciplines.
Bangor University has been teaching forestry for over 110 years and since 2000, it has offered a range of exciting and innovative part-time distance learning forestry courses. The MSc forestry (distance learning) course has an excellent reputation for producing high quality, adaptable and professional graduates. Many of our alumni have successfully used the course to help them change careers, gain promotion, develop their business and/or simply satisfy their curiosity for trees and forests. The course is designed to provide students with training in the management of forest resources, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest management and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use.
The course is designed to be of specific interest to:
- Individuals seeking academically-based education in forestry;
- Individuals seeking a career in the management of trees and forests;
- Individuals wishing to undertake further study while employed in the forestry, or a related, profession.
Teaching and learning for each module is supported by a guided reading handbook plus various learning materials hosted on our ‘virtual learning environment’, such as online lectures and seminars, e-books, journal articles, scientific reports, podcasts, and discussion forums.
Video - MSc Forestry Distance Learning
Video - Distance Learning Forestry Courses
Programme Length
MSc: 3 years; Diploma: 2 years; Certificate: 1 year; Module: 15 weeks
Research Opportunities
The course is closely linked with all aspects of the forest industry, both in the UK and beyond. Students are encouraged to seek opportunities and make their own links that relate to their own area of interest and expertise and are supported in this process. Students on the course receive regular updates regarding the latest news, jobs, placements and other opportunities in the forestry secto
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
The course is made up of 120 credit modules, each designed to run over a period of three months. Each module is delivered via comprehensive in-house course material, accompanying course guides and web-based support, based on the Blackboard™ virtual learning environment (VLE). A number of optional assignments may be submitted by students as the module progresses, to give realistic feedback on progress with the material.
There are a number of validated exit points on our distance learning courses:
- students who successfully complete 60 credits can opt to leave the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate
- students who continue to successfully complete 120 credits can be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma; or
- students who successfully complete 120 credits and a research dissertation can be awarded the MSc
(The research dissertation is a substantial piece of work which may take a year to complete.)
It is possible to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma within two years of starting the course, or the MSc within three years.
The modules which make up our distance learning courses are also all designed as stand-alone courses in their own right. If you feel you’d rather not take a full MSc, you will be able to “mix & match” our learning material to suit your own needs. Indeed, your employer may even consider sponsoring you for the purposes of your continuing professional development (CPD).
Dissertation (If studying towards the MSc)
Execution and written presentation of a suitable scientific project which is devised by the student and an individual academic supervisor and validated by the Programme Director. A suitable project entails a worthwhile scientific question, of direct relevance to the degree, established within the context of current knowledge and concepts that allows the formulation and testing of one or more hypotheses. This typically involves up to 12 months part-time work, typically including: 2–3 months to prepare a research proposal, 2–3 months for data collection in the field, laboratory or computer; 2–3 months for data analysis; and 2–3 months for writing-up.
Professional Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Forestry (distance learning) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
Generally a 2(i) undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant science or technology subject is required, such as biology, horticulture, agriculture, law, economics, engineering, environmental science. Applications from mature students who do not have higher education qualifications but have relevant work experience and who have worked for a minimum of 2 years in a position of responsibility and relevance to the degree will also be considered.
IELTS: 6.5 (with no element below 6.0) is required.
Careers
The part-time nature of this course enables students to build their career alongside other work or personal commitments. Current students and recent graduates have secured jobs as commercial forest managers, forest surveyors, ecological consultants, forestry finance advisors and business start-ups. Careers prospects also include promotion for those already in the forestry or related professions. The part-time nature of the course opens up numerous opportunities for study, travel, scholarship and research and students are encouraged to take advantage of these.
