• Rushin_Bushin
  • 2 Mar 2023 2:44 PM
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Nature/Science Researching/Writing/Reporting - Any Tips on Qualifications/Courses? UK Based, experience but no official qualifications, looking to enter the field officially.

As the question says - I have years of experience in writing (technical, non-fiction, reports, etc) but no official qualifications when it comes to writing reports and research papers on Scientific/Natural topics. This is something I have done free of charge and occasionally on commission as a hobby which I enjoy very much and I am now looking to join the field officially. As an amateur researcher and studier of nature, I contribute to citizen science databases and love to write about what I am learning and have now decided that I want to make it official - leave the field I'm in and join the conservation/ecology research and writing world.

The problem is that I have hit a ceiling with what I can teach myself using online resources and books and am now in need of further, proper training. Do you have any tips on where and how to proceed? I'm aware that this is a very open-ended question; sorry.

  • WendyBartter
    Have you looked into what The Open University can offer so that you can study whilst still working?

     

     2013 photos & vids here

    eff37 on Flickr

  • seymouraves
    Hi

    have you rung some wildlife agencies to ask what qualifications they look for in applicants?

    S

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • Rushin_Bushin

    In reply to WendyBartter:

    I have but I'm never sure of the legitimacy of these. Was hoping someone could give me an indicator of what's actually used in the industry.
  • Rushin_Bushin

    In reply to seymouraves:

    Not yet; I was worried they would be annoyed by the calls/emails. Is this something you don't think they'd mind?
  • DB_Fife
    I have no first hand knowledge or experience in this, but in addition to Wendy's suggestion of the Open University, there are also online / distance learning courses on journalism that allow students to specialise in different genres. May be worth a look?
  • Rushin_Bushin

    In reply to DB_Fife:

    The Field Studies Council runs quite a few analysis/study courses for existing students but as far as I can tell nothing from the ground up, so maybe I could pair the two to make something useful. Thanks for the response.