Course description
Since 2000 the School of the Environment and Natural Resources has been developing an integrated suite of postgraduate distance-learning courses to allow students in full-time employment or with other commitments, and for whom a full-time University course is not a realistic possibility, to study for a high-quality, internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in a forestry-related subject area. We are unique in the UK in offering forestry-related distance-learning courses at this level. All the modules comprising our postgraduate distance-learning programmes are designed to be stand-alone and students can therefore join their chosen course at the start of the next available opportunity (1st September, 1st January or 1st May annually). It is possible to study any number of individual modules, dependent on your requirements, although we would encourage you to work towards a Postgraduate Certificate (3 taught modules), a Postgraduate Diploma (6 taught modules), or a full MSc (6 taught modules plus a research dissertation).
Description
The Forestry distance-learning programme, fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, is designed to provide students with detailed knowledge of direct relevance to the modern forest manager. Key course modules cover the increasingly important social issues in forest management, environmental silviculture (including alternatives to clear-cutting), forest ecosystems, and the sustainable use of non-timber forest products. Modules in forest policy and economics and in inventory, assessment and monitoring look at other significant issues surrounding the sustainable management of global forest resources. The course includes a practical element which the majority of students will undertake during a one-week Summer School held annually in Bangor.
This innovative part-time distance-learning programme is specifically designed to allow qualifying individuals to undertake a programme of postgraduate study – ranging from a single module to a full Master of Science level course – without needing to leave home to attend University or to give up full-time employment.
Please note that, in addition to the limited information available on this page, further details are available for download for the Forestry programme in addition to the full suite of forestry-related distance-learning opportunities. More information is also accessible on-line at our distance-learning mini-site.
Part One Modules
Social Issues in Forest
Management looks at the ways
in which social, cultural, economic
and political factors can influence
the shape and scope of forest
management systems and how
these may affect the livelihoods
of communities living in or close
to forests.
Environmental Silviculture
(temperate focus) aims to give
students an understanding of the
principles of environmental
silviculture, including species
selection according to site conditions,
artificial and natural regeneration
of woodlands and interventions.
The module also includes the
management of mixed forest stands
and the silviculture of forests
in transition (transformation,
conversion) including the restoration
to natural broadleaves.
Forest Policy and Economics
aims to give participants an
understanding of the social, economic
and political context in which forestry
is practised, from household to
global level. It purposes to impart
competence in policy analysis and
development, teach techniques of
economic appraisal of forestry
options and develop accounting
skills relevant to forestry enterprises.
Forest Ecology presents the
occurrence and ecology of different
forest types. Emphasis is placed on
forest biota and soils, and nutrient
cycling and hydrology.
Inventory, Assessment and
Monitoring considers ways in which
forest resources can be assessed and
recorded, enabling growth and
development to be scientifically
monitored. Students will be provided
with the opportunity to acquire
knowledge and understanding of the
specialist areas of mensuration, forest
inventory and forest resource
assessment and monitoring, the latter
to include aspects of GIS.
Sustainable Use of Non-Timber
Forest Products (NTFP’s)
covers the ways in which forests may
be managed to recognise the value
and enterprise development potential
of non-timber forest products
(NTFP’s). Due consideration is given to
production systems for 'wild' products
which arise without human
intervention and products derived
from cultivation of products in forests
and from trees outside forests.
Summer School
Practical classes are difficult to arrange
on a distance-learning programme. For
this reason we run a five-day summer
school in the first full week of August
each year where you will participate in
practical exercises in addition to
interacting with fellow students and
staff during a full and varied
programme of direct relevance to your
studies. Attendance at the summer
school is compulsory for UK-based
students and is strongly recommended
for students based in Europe. For other
students, attendance at the summer
school is not required, although you are
more than welcome to attend should
you wish to do so. From September
2007 we will not be able to reimburse
travel or subsistence costs associated
with the Forestry summer school.
