Aquatic Ecosystems and Fisheries Management

• FdSc Environmental Science for Conservation
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Systems Management (Top-Up)
• FdSc Countryside Resource Management (part-time)

Where could your career take you?

Many of our students go straight onto university to follow a range of interests, including marine biology, freshwater biology and environmental science or into employment once they’ve completed this course.

If you enjoy working outdoors and are interested in the management and care of fish there’s lots of career opportunities for you to explore. Here’s an idea of just some of the roles and sectors you could go in to:

• Fish farmer
• Fisheries officer
• Fish farm technician
• Fishery manager
• River keeper
• Estate management
• Water industry
• Ecology and conservation
• Associated retail trades
• Ornamental fish industry

Our campus and beyond

Our campus is well equipped with a wide range of on-site aquatic bodies and industry recognised equipment that complements the wealth of knowledge the teaching staff provide in the classroom.

We have excellent support from local fisheries and professional anglers, which allows our students to work alongside the best in the field. The college is ideally located in the heart of Cheshire with great links to Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Birmingham and surrounding areas, perfect for our regular field trips and off-site practical sessions.

Your Reaseheath Experience

Beyond the campus there’s lots of opportunities to get involved in activities and trips to further broaden your college experience, including the chance to go on study tours across the UK and abroad.

A group of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries management students visited Tenerife to assist The Atlantic Whale Foundation (AWF) with their ongoing research into the islands’ dolphin and whale populations (cetaceans). Based at the AWF’s research hub, our students joined a group of global volunteers who are involved in the conservation and protection of this area which is an important natural habitat for cetaceans.

Students gained hands-on experience by assisting researchers to monitor resident populations during whale watching boat trips and joined inland trekking expeditions where surveys were conducted into flora, fauna and other community conservation projects.

Industry links

Regular sessions working with the Environment Agency give our students a great chance to get to grips with real life consultancy projects and plenty of opportunities to put their problem- solving skills to the test. You will get involved in netting, fish surveys and further broaden your knowledge of fish habitats and the management of fisheries working alongside industry professionals. Trips to local fisheries, aquariums, aquatic shops and guest lectures from experts across the industry, including the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, will further add to your skills and knowledge of aquatics.

You will complete an industry focused work placement during your time as a student. Whether it be working at a fishery, aquatic related business or working to help the environment, you will have the opportunity to really put your skills learnt in the classroom and on campus in to practice. Your placement will be tailored around ensuring you’ll be well equipped for the world of work by the end of your course.

During your course you’ll also have the opportunity to study additional qualifications such as safe use of chainsaws and ATV handling – a fantastic addition to your CV!