COURSE CURRICULUM

BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation is a four-year degree that begins with a Foundation Year and then progresses directly into the standard Ecology and Wildlife Conservation programme. The Foundation Year is designed to prepare students for university-level study by building essential knowledge in biology, chemistry, ecology, sustainability, scientific research, communication, data analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students study Foundation Biology, Foundation Chemistry, Ecology and Environmental Sustainability, and academic skills modules linked to global challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. After progression to the main degree, students develop a strong understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation science, environmental management, wildlife biology, and ecological research. Core modules include Field Ecology, Fundamentals of Ecology, Ecology and Environmental Management, Our Changing Planet, Advanced Ecology, Conservation Science in Practice, Quantitative and Professional Skills, and an independent Research Project. A wide range of optional modules allows students to specialise in areas such as Animal Behaviour, Marine Biology and Conservation, Invertebrate Zoology, Palaeobiology, Advanced Conservation Biology, Ecology of Urban Areas, Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases, Forensics, and international field courses. The course places a strong emphasis on practical learning through fieldwork, biodiversity surveys, species identification, GIS and data analysis, and conservation research. Students benefit from the University of Reading’s award-winning campus, which contains lakes, meadows, woodlands, farms, and more than 1,000 animal species, providing an outdoor laboratory for ecological study. Additional opportunities include field courses in South Africa, Devon, and other biodiversity-rich locations. Students can also undertake a year-long industrial placement between the third and final years, with previous placements at organisations such as the RSPB, Environment Agency, Wildlife Trusts, and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The partnership with The Living Rainforest further enhances employability through employer-verified practical conservation and wildlife management skills. Graduates are well prepared for careers in ecology, wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy, biodiversity management, research, conservation policy, and environmental education.