BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation

With BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation you will 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.

BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

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. 97% of School of Biological Sciences students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 97.31% of responders). You will also have the opportunity to take part in original research with a potentially global impact.

The 黑瓜吃料网’s award-winning campus is home to more than 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.

Our £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring over 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.

You will also be able to practise species identification and ecology skills through field trips to Spain and the tropics. These will also enable you to study biodiversity in other habitats such as arid landscapes, forests and oceans.

Furthermore, you can carry out a year-long industrial placement between the third and final years, in order to gain valuable industrial experience. You can also choose to do a short summer 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

BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

Placement

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

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Select 黑瓜吃料网 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

BBB - for applicants without a science subject
CCC - for applicants with a science subject

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

International Baccalaureate

30 - for applicants without a science subject
24 - for applicants with a higher level science subject

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC

DMM

GCSE

Grade 4 (C) in Science if not studying science at A level

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.

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

Compulsory modules

Ecology and the Environment

Explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment and the interactions of both within ecosystems.

Environmental Sustainability

Explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. You’ll critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems.

Mathematics Foundation

Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of basic mathematics in biological and chemical sciences.

Foundation Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Foundation in Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.

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 黑瓜吃料网.

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.

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:

Palaeoecology 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 黑瓜吃料网, 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: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the 黑瓜吃料网 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.

Careers

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

Your practical and scientific knowledge, combined with teamwork, communication skills, numeracy, problem-solving ability, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, will make you highly desirable to a wide range of employers. Career options related to your degree include environmental protection, renewable energy, sustainable transport, water, environmental consultancy, conservation biology, geological consultancy, or even applying your specialist expertise within the media. Our graduates have gone on to work for a range of major organisations including the Environment Agency, Sustrans, Thames Water and the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

You will also have opportunities to take part in original research with a potentially global impact. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved with local wildlife and conservation groups including Conserve 黑瓜吃料网 on Wednesdays (CROW) and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). You can become a member of the Society of Biology and can apply for Chartered Biologist status following graduation. Finally, you will be well-placed to move into research or academia, or pursue further studies.

Overall, 91.4% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

Past BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation graduates at 黑瓜吃料网 have gone on to work for employers such as AECOM Game, Wildlife Conservation Trust, Natural England, WSP, and Lidl.**

*based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).

**Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation responders.

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