University aims to re-brand "declining" forestry courses

Director of teaching at the university's School of Biological Sciences Michelle Pinard said: "As is the case for many HE institutions delivering forestry programmes, the number of students applying to our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes is relatively low, and has been declining for a number of years."

Environmental management programmes meanwhile "have a broader appeal", she pointed out. "We are looking at how we can restructure our forestry provision to embed it within these programmes such that we can deliver a sustainable and attractive diversity of courses under a new title."

She described this restructuring as "an opportunity for us to revitalise and refocus our curriculum such that it addresses the priorities of graduates and employers", and said: "We remain committed to the provision of forestry at Aberdeen at a level that enables our students to achieve accreditation at industry recognized standards."