The coral reefs in TCI are imperative to the safety of our shores and land. Currently our corals are at risk so the need for reef protection is higher than ever. Find out how you can protect corals for a living below.
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Academic Routes Technical RoutesAcademic Routes
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Further Education Higher EducationWhat do I need?
To work in Coral Reef Management you need a Marine Biology, Oceanography or a marine focussed undergraduate degree. If you already have a science based degree with no focus on marine, a postgraduate degree in a marine-related field may be required.
How to Stand Out?
Volunteer in your local community depending on where you are. Internships are also a viable option. Read more about that here.
Further Education
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A-Levels BTEC Diploma Access to Higher EducationFurther Education is considered Level 3 education in the UK (England, Northern Ireland and Wales). The most common further education route is A-Levels but it’s not the only option. There are coursework based courses like BTEC. To pursue a Bachelors degree you must complete this level of education first.
A-Levels
A-Levels are exam based courses. You can take from 3 A-Level subjects as most university courses require at least 3. For Coral Reef Management/Marine Biology related degree courses, most universities would require A-Level Biology.
Tip: Some schools offer a more obscure A-Level, Marine Science.
The other A-Level subjects you choose can be varied. However, you should assess your main interest and sectors you want to work in. This is mainly so you enjoy what you are studying and you are establishing a solid knowledge base. Nonetheless, it would be useful to take up an A-Level in Chemistry.
While A-Levels are a ticket to a university degree, it does not certify employment in Coral Reef Management. As a Coral Reef Manager is essentially a Marine Biologist, an accredited university degree in Marine Biology or Marine-related study is the logical next step.
What qualifications do I need? A-level courses will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3) . Mathematics and English Language passes are mandatory to possess. As Coral Reef Management is a science discipline, CSEC/IGCSE Science, Biology or Chemistry may be required. It is best to check the specific requirements of the university or college you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find A-Level courses search online or Contact us for help.
BTEC Diploma
The process of obtaining this qualification is more practical in comparison to the more theory based academic A-Level. You are assessed solely with coursework.
These qualifications are available at different levels and at Level 3, the diploma can be equivalent to up to three (3) A-Levels. BTECs can be taken alongside other qualifications (such as an A-Level) and can permit entry to university.
Universities will typically be interested in students with a science based background. Therefore a BTEC in Science, Biomedical Science, Applied Science etc are viable options.
What qualifications do I need? It depends on the BTEC diploma you’re pursuing. Level 3 BTEC diplomas will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the university you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find BTEC courses search online or Contact Us for assistance.
But what if I’m over 18 and I have no Level 3 qualifications? We got you below.
Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education aka Access to HE, is tailored for students aged 19+ who intend to apply for an undergraduate course. These courses take one year, performing as a fast track to higher education.
Universities will typically be looking for students with a science based background. Access to Higher Education courses in Science, Life Sciences, etc are among good options for subjects related to Marine Biology and Coral Reef Management.
What qualifications do I need? Access to HE diplomas will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the school you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find Access to Higher Education courses search online or Contact Us for assistance.
Higher Education
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Foundation Degrees Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate DegreesFoundation Degrees
Foundation courses can also be taken if your results/tariff points accumulated in a Level 3 qualification were not high enough to allow entry to a standard three-year Bachelors course. At the end of the four-year course you will receive the same qualification as a three-year degree.
For example the University of Essex offers BSc. Marine Biology with an integrated foundation year. Their BSc. Marine Biology degree sans the foundation year, requires around 104 tariff points (Grades BCC at A-Level) whereas the degree with a foundation year requires 72 tariff points.
What qualifications do I need? It varies per university but usually universities require at least 40 tariff points. Check the entry requirements per course on UCAS.
To find Foundation courses, enter your area of study and search Foundation degrees here. In the filters select Foundation to only view Foundation courses.
Undergraduate Degrees
All applications to undergraduate courses are done via UCAS. Undergraduate courses can come in the form of foundation degrees, HND or Bachelors level.
As previously mentioned, Coral Reef Management is under the umbrella of Marine Biology. If you are unsure which sector you want to work in, Combined/Joint Honours courses may be better suited to you. For Example: BSc Marine Biology with Biodiversity and Conservation, BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography or BSc Ocean Science and Marine Conservation.
Searching Marine Biology courses on UCAS throws a wealthy bunch of universities for you to choose from.
How do I choose which degree?
With the copious choices given, it may make it difficult to decipher which is best for you.
To start narrowing it down, we suggest you first look at the entry requirements to the course and assess your existing or prospective exam/coursework results.
Next, have a look at the modules done by the university and assess if those are relevant to your career if you’ve already chosen. Also view the teaching quality at the university.
Finally, use comparative websites like Discover Uni or the Complete University Guide to compare course satisfaction and other statistics to make informed decisions.
Tip: Some university courses offer an integrated placement year where you get the option to work in your industry (most times paid, depending on the job you secure). This provides you with at least one year of experience in your field prior to graduation.
To view all options and courses, enter your area of study and search courses here.
What qualifications do I need? It varies per university but largely universities require at least 112 tariff points. Grades in A-Level tend to be at least BBC. BTEC diploma grades required tend to be at least DMM. Check the entry requirements per course on UCAS. Some courses have foundation entry options which allows you to gain the qualification and continue the course with lower entry requirements.
Postgraduate Degree
If you already have an undergraduate degree and would like to make a career swap, or you would like to further your studies we’ve got options for you.
To progress in your career specialisation is key, therefore if your path is in coastal management or reef ecology a postgraduate degree in that field is the way to go. Marine Biology is also offered at Postgraduate level so that can be your avenue to specialisation.
If you have never done a marine related degree, volunteering or any means to generate experience while pursuing the postgraduate qualification would be key.
Similar to applying for an undergrad degree, click here to view options and courses, enter your area of study and search courses. Filter options to Postgraduate. (Some postgraduate courses may not be listed on UCAS).
Technical Routes
Unfortunately there aren’t many ways of pursuing a career in Coral Reef Management without a degree. However you can work in broader fields of Marine Biology.
Possible routes can be found as a conservation diver or technicians.
The following are technical developments to better improve your chances within a career.
Apprenticeships
On an apprenticeship, you’re employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level. – Prospects
Find an apprenticeship in the UK click here.
Internships
Current global internships, some inclusive of the UK.
Sea Watch Foundation – Wales, UK {Research Assistant, Education and Outreach Assistant, Research Intern}.
University of Exeter – Marine Biology Career Zone
Women in Science – MARINE BIOLOGY INTERNSHIPS
Environment Job – Marine Conservation Jobs
GVI UK – Marine Conservation Internships Abroad
Marine Biological Association Lab Placement
Volunteering
If you are still resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands, volunteer with the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TC Reef). The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund is a charity in the TCI dedicated to protecting our reefs. Contact them for more info.
Get involved with TC Reef at info@tcreef.org or text at +1 (649)-347-8455.
The Clinical Exploration Program can be a great avenue for you to get experience with the DECR, DEMA or other marine biology related bodies. Enquire here.
Currently at university pursuing marine related studies? Volunteer with your lecturers to assist with their research to gain ongoing experience.
To find out what immigration hurdles you must pass to pursue education in the UK click here. For financial 411s click here.
Unsure about what Coral Reef Management or Marine Biology is, read our explanatory post here.
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