Forestry

Forestry has been taught at Aberdeen since 1907, and brings together the disciplines of forestry, ecology, zoology, and plant science. The Department has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally

Why Aberdeen?

• Easy access to large areas of forest, including remnants of the internationally important native Caledonian pine forest, enhances the learning environment.
• Forest visits form an important part of the degree programme, including a trip to the Black Forest in Germany
• The students' Forestry Society was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest student societies in the University. It runs a wide range of social events. These include activities during Freshers’ Week, raising money for charity, arranging recreational pursuits and social evenings culminating in the Forestry Society Annual Dinner. This is an opportunity for undergraduates to meet the large number of graduates who attend the event
• Career prospects are extremely good with opportunities in forest management and research both at home and overseas

Programmes

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Forest Sciences

Accreditation

The degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and gives full exemption from the Part I examinations.

Study Abroad

There will be opportunities for expeditions, voluntary work overseas and ‘year-out’ placements. International exchanges are also possible, normally in the second year of a four year programme. Similarly, it is possible to study for part of the degree in another European university under the ERASMUS programme.
Further Study Abroad Information. 

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

In accordance with degree requirements, four courses at levels 1 and 2 combined and two courses at levels 3 and 4 combined must meet the requirements of enhanced study.  These courses provide an opportunity for sustained study in other disciplines, disciplinary breadth and cross-discipline study (Sixth Century Courses).

First Year

Students take eight courses that may include Biology and Chemistry, and foundation courses including Plant Ecology and Taxonomy, Geology, and Sustainable Land Management. This leaves a choice of three further courses which would normally contribute towards enhanced study. There are two field courses on Plant Ecology and the Forest Environment. Some choice of courses is available at first year depending on entrance qualifications.

Second Year

Courses provide an essential grounding in many fundamental concepts of forestry. Subjects include Soil Science, Ecology, Plant Physiology and Diversity, Research Skills and a field course on Forest Ecology and Management. The choice of eight courses in total must normally ensure that a student has met the requirements for enhanced study at levels 1 and 2 combined.

Third Year

Third year courses cover many of the subjects central to forestry. These include Silviculture: Applied Forest Ecology, Forest Measurement, Forest Resource Management, Wood: Properties to Products, Experimental Design, Analysis & Presentation. Other choices include Plant/Environment Interactions and Plant Ecology. These courses are supported by site visits to study forest ecology, dendrology, silviculture, and timber processing.

Fourth Year

The final year involves the preparation of a forest management plan and an individual research project. Students choose three specialist subjects, and a trip to the forests of southern Germany completes the programme. Three specific courses are chosen from Biology & Ecology of Forest Health, Tropical Forest Ecology & Management, Trees in the Urban Environment, Special Topics in Forest Science, Plant Biogeography & Conservation, Plant/ Animal Interactions, Nature Conservation in Britain, and Wildlife Conservation & Management.

Variations

Students have an opportunity to take a gap year within the forestry industry, forestry organisation or research institution between third and fourth year. There is also the possibility of spending a year on an overseas aid project.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials and field visits. Opportunities are provided for verbal and written presentations and reports, which are related to topics covered. Assessment is by examinations and continuous assessment. Forestry students are required to attend field courses, which are also assessed.

Careers

The importance of forests to the global environment and economy has been increasingly highlighted at international environment conferences, maintaining a strong demand for well-motivated and educated individuals in all aspects of forestry. BSc Forestry is a requirement to becoming a professional forester. Presently, about half of our graduates become foresters within the state and private sectors in Britain. The remainder have gone to urban, environmental, or social forestry, timber processing, forest management overseas, and research.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Forestry.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL
ILC - BBBB (B2 or above)
*including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide