Our programme

We are proud to offer an accredited, registered qualification of quality that aligns with the regulatory requirements set out by the relevant professional bodies.

Key information

What will you study at the AEL?

Conservation ecology is a multi-disciplinary and integrated field related to the protection and maintenance of the environment, and to habitat threats and the control thereof. It also focuses on the sustainable utilisation of land, water and other natural resources.

 

Our academic programme includes fieldwork and laboratory work. Our students gain knowledge of specific elements of biology, ecology, soil science, geography, chemistry, physics, social sciences and environmental legislation. In addition, our students study climate processes, types and sources of pollution, as well as waste management. 

We believe our academic programme and the emphasis we place on personal development will culminate in conservation leadership for tomorrow.

What our students and their parents are saying
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Our academic programme

Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology

  • NQF Level 5

  • Minimum credits: 120

  • Form of tuition: Contact education mode

  • Site: Uizip Campus, N14, Upington, 8800

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The information furnished is personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. By completing this form you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information and to the AEL sending you promotional material and information on events and activities. You may at any time withdraw your consent. Particulars of our privacy policy can be found here.
Accreditation

The Academy for Environmental Leadership (Pty) Ltd is provisionally registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training until 31 December 2024 as a private higher education institution under the Act Registration certificate No.2021/HE07/003.*

The Academy for Environmental Leadership (Pty) Ltd is accredited by the South African Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) (South Africa) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The Academy for Environmental Leadership (Pty) Ltd is registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and our qualifications are recorded nationally and internationally through SAQA.

*Registration Certificate No. 2021/HE07/003, issued in terms of section 54(4)(c) of the Act, certifies that The Academy for Environmental Leadership (Pty) Ltd is registered to offer the Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology programme in accordance with the criteria for providing higher education outlines in section 1 of the Act at the approved site indicated above.

A closer look

Our modules

Learn to effectively communicate and motivate the importance of conservation and biological diversity through report writing and public speaking.

Don’t miss out. Apply now!

We equip young adults with the necessary skills and acumen to excel in the next chapter of their lives.

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Request 2025 Application Form

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Name*
What are you?*
The information furnished is personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. By completing this form you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information and to the AEL sending you promotional material and information on events and activities. You may at any time withdraw your consent. Particulars of our privacy policy can be found here.
Some examples

Outdoor activities and tours

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We believe balancing academic work with meaningful and adventurous extracurricular activities is essential to personal development. In our experience, a significant portion of student development happens through structured non-academic activities. Our students are in the privileged position to do practical short courses in first aid as well as fieldcraft and tracking. 

We also offer an extended academic tour to bring the academic side of the training in line with the practice by visiting, among other things, nature reserves with exceptional biodiversity, an abalone farm and a mine. 

Our annual fees are all-inclusive and cover all student needs for the year, including accommodation, food, study materials, tours and more.

 

  • Eat

    Three tasty, nutritious meals are served daily, freshly prepared by our well-trained kitchen staff in the convenience of our fully equipped onsite kitchen. 

    *Special dietary needs can be accommodated by prior arrangement.

     

  • Sleep

    Our campus accommodation is comprised of comfortable, fully furnished rooms with separate, clean and regularly serviced ablution facilities.

  • Learn

    All theoretical modules are presented in our air-conditioned lecture hall. The more practical modules in our programme are completed in the vast natural habitat of our 21-hectare campus, through study excursions to nearby locations, or during our annual educational tour, which is the highlight of the year.

     

  • Play

    Students can enjoy this breathtaking campus oasis with its abundance of open space and rolling lawns while taking part in social sports and other activities such as fishing, rowing or relaxing around a fire in the open braai area. A well-equipped gym, games and television room, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool complement our campus recreational facilities.

     

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