COURSE CURRICULUM

BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation is a research-led degree designed for students who want to understand how living organisms interact with their environment and use this knowledge to address major global challenges such as biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change, and species conservation. The course combines classroom learning with extensive practical fieldwork, preparing graduates for careers in ecology, wildlife conservation, environmental management, research, and sustainability. In Year 1, students build a strong foundation in ecology, environmental management, biodiversity, field ecology, the history of life on Earth, and global environmental change, while developing essential field sampling and species identification skills. Year 2 advances knowledge through modules in conservation science, advanced ecology, quantitative data analysis, GIS, biodiversity surveying, marine biology, animal behaviour, zoology, and field-based conservation research, including opportunities for international field courses such as South Africa. In the final year, students undertake an independent research project and can specialise in areas such as advanced conservation biology, urban ecology, zoonotic diseases, marine biology, paleoecology, forensics, and wildlife-related environmental management. The programme benefits from the University’s award-winning campus, which contains lakes, meadows, woodlands, and diverse wildlife habitats that serve as outdoor laboratories for practical learning. Students also gain access to the university’s farms for ecological research projects and can participate in field trips to locations including Spain, tropical regions, Canada, and marine environments. A key feature of the course is the opportunity to complete a year-long industrial placement with organisations such as the RSPB, wildlife trusts, environmental consultancies, conservation charities, and government agencies, providing valuable professional experience. Graduates leave with strong scientific, analytical, fieldwork, research, and data-handling skills, making them well prepared for careers in wildlife conservation, ecological consultancy, environmental monitoring, biodiversity management, conservation policy, research, and postgraduate study.