This Invasive Species course is an introduction to the commonly occurring invasive species in the UK and some global examples. It is an online, self-paced course designed to help you recognise invasive species, understand the legislation surrounding them and how to treat them.

Invasive Species Course Outline:

• What is an invasive species? (terrestrial and aquatic, plants and animals)
• How species invade, naturally, accidentally and deliberately
• Environmental impacts
• Legislation
• Identifying invasive plants such as: Japanese knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed, Parrot’s feather
• Treatment

Course format: The course is presented as nine self-study modules that you can read through in your own time. To further enhance your knowledge and learning experience, there will be some directed reading at the end of each module. At the end, there will be a short quiz and if you get over 70% you will receive a Certificate.

Time commitment: We advise students to allow 2-4 hours per week to complete each module and to read around the subject.

Learning outcomes: You will gain a wider knowledge on the subject that will help equip you for jobs in the conservation and ecology sectors.

Here’s what our students are saying:

I thought the range of species covered was great and the depth of information was perfect, just enough detail without overloading you with unnecessary information.

Meridyth Rogerson

I recently completed the ETUK Invasive Species online course and found it both engaging and very informative. The content was clearly structured and easy to follow, with useful real-world examples that helped deepen my understanding of identification, reporting procedures, and the broader impact of invasive species. I especially appreciated how the modules balanced practical guidance with up-to-date scientific information. Overall, the course was well presented, accessible, and valuable for anyone looking to improve their knowledge in environmental management or ecological awareness. I’d definitely recommend it to others and look forward to exploring more ETUK training in the future.

Meridyth Rogerson

The course was varied and provides a comprehensive overview of invasive species and there impacts both in the uk and globally.

Philip Barwell

I find invasive species, such as the ones covered in the course, fascinating so I was looking forward to it. I really enjoyed all the areas covered and I learned a lot along the way.

David

The language was easy to understand, could be done at my own pace, covered a good range of topics and was pitched at a good level for beginners. I liked that there were lots of reference pictures and it had some case studies.

Lily

This course covers the main UK wide invasive species delivered in a concise manner. There are suggestions for extra reading for deeper dives into the practical application of ecology and conservation. I thoroughly enjoyed this course!

Clare Eyeington