BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Learn about the ways in which living things interact with their environment and apply this knowledge to tackling the biggest challenges facing the world today.

This course will equip you with the skills you need for a career in ecology or wildlife conservation through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience in the field. You will learn to apply knowledge of ecosystems to environmental issues such as habitat conservation, the biological control of diseases, and the protection of the world's rarest plants and creatures.

Most of our staff are actively engaged in research, and our work on wildlife ecology and conservation feeds into undergraduate teaching. 92% of School of Biological Sciences students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 92.3% of responders). You will also have the opportunity to take part in original research with a potentially global impact. All graduates are eligible for membership of The Royal Society of Biology and can apply for Chartered Biologist status.

The 伊人直播app’s award-winning campus is home to over a thousand different animal species and is extremely useful for learning fieldwork skills. It offers multiple habitats for study, including lakes, hay meadows and woodlands, and allows you to step straight from the laboratory to the field. Additionally, the University owns a number of large farms, which can be used as sites for final year projects.

You will also be able to practise species identification and ecology skills through a choice of field trips in the UK and beyond. Our Ecology and Conservation Field Course takes place in South Africa, exposing students to diverse conservation and development issues, while our Marine Biology Field Course explores South Africa's incredible marine biodiversity. Closer to home, our UK Biodiversity Field Course takes students to Devon to explore the UK's diverse habitats and the animals that call them home.

Furthermore, you can carry out a year-long industrial placement between the second and final years, in order to gain valuable industrial experience. You can also choose to do a short placement module. We have strong links with a number of ecological organisations including the RSPB, Environment Agency, and a range of wildlife trusts.

Placement

Students in previous years have worked at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, RSPB and Environment Agency. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research for an academic institute.

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

Overview

Learn about the ways in which living things interact with their environment and apply this knowledge to tackling the biggest challenges facing the world today.

Placement

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

Entry requirements A Level ABB

Select 伊人直播app as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABB at A level, including grade B in a science subject.

Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geology, and Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall, including 5 at higher level in a science subject.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Compulsory modules

Field Ecology

Gain hands-on understanding of the interactions between organisms, their environment and human activity. You’ll learn to recognise the diversity and structure of different ecological systems and learn how we monitor and identify organisms. As you study, you’ll gain practical skills from field visits and biodiversity sampling techniques.

Our Changing Planet

Study the major changes undergoing our planet that have been brought on by anthropogenic activities. You’ll consider the impact they have on biodiversity, including our soils, rivers, and oceans, and the threats currently posed to land masses and sea levels. Critically review past, present and future strategies aimed at solving conservation and sustainability challenges.

Fundamentals of Ecology

Learn about ecological concepts and how they are applied in both the field and laboratory. Explore how species interact with each other and their environment, how biodiversity assembles in communities and forms entire ecosystems and biomes, and how human activities are influencing many ecological processes.

History of Life on Earth

Embark on a journey through the development of our planet – from the early appearance of bacteria to the explosion of marine life in the Cambrian and Ordovician eras and then to land. You’ll be introduced to the main bacterial, protozoan, plant and animal groups, investigating the innovations that led to their success.

Optional modules

Fundamentals of Evolution

Gain an overview of evolution as you study the fundamental concepts in biology that cause species to change over time. You’ll consider the impact of forces such as genetic variation and natural selection as well as the major patterns that can be seen throughout evolution.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 伊人直播app.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Ecology

Study how ecology has evolved rapidly in the age of big data, molecular biology, and citizen science. Deepen your understanding of the patterns and processes in ecological systems as you discuss the latest methodologies and new insights they have provided. You’ll explore topics including biochemical cycles and the role of microbes in ecological processes, food webs, ecosystem services, and more.

Conservation Biology in Practice

Study the world of conservation science using examples from the field, gaining an understanding of the inherent conflicts and challenges associated with nature conservation and developing effective tools and methods to address these challenges.

Quantitative/Professional Skills

Learn how to handle, analyse, visualise, and interpret diverse types of data. You’ll apply quantitative (statistical) approaches and present results using various visualisation tools, from graphs to maps based on GIS data.

Optional modules

Ecology and Conservation Field Course

Study nature in a hotspot of biodiversity. Visit areas and sites of conservation and biodiversity on this two-week residential summer field course - currently in South Africa, but locations can vary. Learn about species and ecosystems, the challenges and successes of conservation, and the culture of local communities. Explore different species of plants and vertebrates and become familiar with different approaches to surveying. During the trip, you will complete a research project, and learn to collect, analyse and present your data.

UK Biodiversity Field Course

Take part in a one-week residential field course that provides an immersive introduction to essential biodiversity field skills. You’ll enhance your appreciation for British wildlife and learn survey techniques vital for a career in ecology, zoology, or wildlife conservation.

Comparative Vertebrate Biology

Discover the diversity behind how animal form and function evolved – from small, simple organisms to our familiar modern vertebrates. You’ll embark on an intensive journey, exploring vertebrate life through a range of theoretical and practical activities and gaining hands-on practical knowledge in the Cole Museum of Zoology.

Marine Biology and Conservation

Uncover a range of marine habitats, environments and associated biodiversity as you study marine environments that range from dark, mysterious and deep trenches to colourful coral reefs. You’ll study the major physical and chemical mechanisms underpinning oceanic processes, the key aspects of biology and ecology on ocean life, and the ecological impacts of human activities.

Palaeobiology

Study concepts drawn from geology and biology that provide you with valuable context for the study of modern organisms and ecosystems.

Invertebrate Zoology

Discover the world of invertebrates that inhabit every corner of the planet. You will learn of their significance to the entire planetary ecosystem as you explore the weird and wonderful animals that are often overlooked. You will learn how to identify invertebrates in the Phylum Arthropoda, most commonly insect, and gain a deep understanding of their life cycle and ecology and the significant impact they have on economic, social and scientific discoveries of human society.

Animal Behaviour

Why do animals behave the way they do? Study the underlying science and principle theories related to animal behaviour. You’ll focus on nature versus nurture, the theory of the selfish gene, and learn why animals fight or help each other.

Compulsory modules

Research Project

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.

Optional modules

Paleoecology Research Field Course

Gain an in-depth introduction to the study of paleontology and paleoecology and hands-on practical field research in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada. This physically demanding and unique trip is jointly hosted by 伊人直播app, the University of New England (Australia), and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology (Canada). You will spend two intensive weeks in the Badlands of Alberta learning about surveys, prospecting, identification, bonebed mapping, and fossil excavation. You will also benefit from excellent practical and academic skills training with world experts in dinosaur paleontology.

Marine Biology Field Course

Develop biodiversity skills and practical conversation related to the marine environment. Using breath-hold, snorkelling or SCUBA diving, you’ll learn the internationally recognised ecological assessment methods and gain an advanced understanding of diverse marine habitats such as rocky coral reef and kelp forest communities.

Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics

Gain a comprehensive overview of venoms and poisons and how they are used for defence or predation. Study a series of animals, plants, and fungi as you learn about the evolution and ecology of them and how they may be used for medicinal purposes.

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Discover the range of diseases that can be transmitted to humans from animals, originating from wildlife, livestock, and companion animals. You’ll study a range of zoonotic disease-causing organisms, their hosts and vectors, the symptoms associated with zoonoses, and the impact they have on human health and the economy. Example diseases include COVID-19, Lyme disease, Ebola, and rabies.

Forensics

Examine the scientific basis for crime-scene analysis and the application of scientific techniques, approaches and knowledge needed for solving crimes. You’ll study key principles and processes of biological sciences through the perspective of criminology and discover how cutting-edge science has been used to solve some of the most complex criminal cases in history.

Ecology of Urban Areas

Study the explosion of urban life and the negative impacts it has had on global flora and fauna. You’ll consider the impact urban life has had on different species – from those that have not survived it, to those that have exploited them and actively thrive in these novel habitats.

Advanced Conservation Biology

Gain an understanding of the science of conservation biology and its use in the sustainable management of genes, species, communities and habitats. You’ll learn about the principles and philosophy of conservation, and how it sits within socio-economic reality.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: the 伊人直播app will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit as set by the UK government for the relevant academic year. The fee cap for 2026/27 hasn't been confirmed yet. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information. The annual fee for 2025/26 is £9,535.

New international students: £30,650 for 2026/27. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases changes in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the 伊人直播app sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

Careers

During the course you will develop your communication, information handling, numeracy and problem-solving skills. Additionally, you can become a member of the Society of Biology and apply for Chartered Biologist status following graduation.

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) following an independent and rigorous assessment.

Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates, including technical and transferable skills.

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree logo

You can go on to work as a trainee in a non-governmental conservation organisation or ecological consultancy. Alternatively, you could find a role within the government or a government-funded agency, in an area such as pollution mitigation. You may also decide to become a conservation biologist and typically carry out practical conservation, management or fundraising for local wildlife trusts. Specialist expertise gained from the course can also apply to a career in the media. Finally, you will be well-placed to move into research or academia, or pursue further studies.

Overall, 90% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).

Past BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation graduates at 伊人直播app have gone on to work for employers such as AECOM Game, Wildlife Conservation Trust, Natural England, WSP, and Lidl (based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2022/23; includes BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation responders).

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the 伊人直播app, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at 伊人直播app, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the 伊人直播app won the Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

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