Structure

The structure of our distance learning degrees has been designed to give maximum flexibility to the student whilst maintaining the highest possible academic rigour; a factor on which we pride ourselves.

We continue to innovate in this field, and further courses will be developed in order to complement our suite of full-time MSc courses.

Our distance learning courses use some of the latest learning technologies. In addition, some modules integrate distance learning with full-time Bangor based MSc forestry teaching. This means that on specific modules you will have the opportunity to participate in lectures and seminars broadcast live, and to work in groups with other students at Bangor University, including for example, preparing and making video presentations and other activities. It also means that if your time and location allows, you can visit Bangor and study alongside full-time students, either for just a few specific lectures / seminars, or for the entire module, as is convenient for you.

MSc Forestry

The MSc Forestry 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 printed 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.

The modules are each assessed by one or more pieces of continual assessment (up to a maximum of 60% of the module mark) by a final examination (worth up to a maximum of 40% of the module mark). Students based in the UK and Ireland are expected to travel to Bangor for the examination, arrangements are made for overseas students to sit a comparable examination (on the same day) in a local British Council office.

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).

Modules

The modules making up this distance-learning degree are offered on two separate streams, but also have some common modules. Please see our detailed course information booklet for further details on the module timings.

Core Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules (choose 80 credits)

Ecology and Management stream:
Forests, Trees and People stream:

MSc Forestry residential modules

Distance learning students registered on MSc Forestry are required to attend a Forestry Study Tour in the spring of their first or second year which takes place over a week in Wales and / or England. The Ecology and Management stream also includes a residential module in the second year (Forest Management Planning) which requires a week-long visit to Bangor in the spring of the second year.

One of our students decided to put together a blog of his experience on the 2016 study tour, which you can view here.

 

MSc Tropical Forestry

The Tropical Forestry distance learning MSc is made up of 120 credits of ‘taught’ modules, including the Tropical Forestry Study Tour. Modules are delivered via comprehensive in-house printed course material, accompanying course guides and web-based support, based on the Blackboard virtual learning environments (VLE) used by Bangor University.

Modules are assessed by one or more pieces of continual assessment (up to a maximum of 60% of the module mark) and by a final examination (worth up to a maximum of 40% of the module mark).

Students based in the UK and Ireland are expected to travel to Bangor for examinations, arrangements are made for overseas students to sit a comparable examination (on the same day) in a local British Council office.

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).

Modules

The modules making-up the MSc Tropical Forestry distance-learning degree are listed below. Please see our detailed course information booklet for further details on the module timings.

Core Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules (choose 60 credits)

Tropical Forestry Study Tour

Distance learning students registered on this course are required to attend a two-week international study tour, usually held in July.

The full story of the last summer school (held in Ghana - July/August 2015) can be found here

MSc Agroforestry and Food Security*

(*New course subject to validation)

Students will have the opportunity to study from 3 to 6 modules per year, depending on their status as part time or full-time students. For the Masters’ degree, students will complete a total of 6 modules and a dissertation project. Some modules are compulsory, and others are optional (subject to demand). Prospective candidates are advised to discuss their options with the programme director/course administrator. Each module is delivered over a semester, via comprehensive on-line course material, including filmed lectures, podcasts and discussion boards plus web-based support, based on the Blackboard™ virtual learning environment (VLE). Assignments are 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.)

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).

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change depending on student demand.

Compulsory Modules:

 

Optional Modules: