COURSE CURRICULUM

BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Professional Experience is a four-year degree that combines ecological science, wildlife conservation, environmental management, and professional industry experience to prepare students for careers in conservation, ecology, environmental consultancy, research, and biodiversity management. In Year 1, students develop a strong foundation in ecology and environmental science through modules such as Field Ecology, Fundamentals of Ecology, Ecology and Environmental Management, Our Changing Planet, and History of Life on Earth. These modules provide practical fieldwork experience, biodiversity surveying skills, ecosystem analysis, environmental monitoring, and an understanding of global conservation challenges. Optional studies in evolution, natural resources, and animal welfare further broaden scientific knowledge. In Year 2, students advance their expertise through Advanced Ecology, Conservation Science in Practice, and Quantitative and Professional Skills, learning modern ecological methods, statistical analysis, GIS mapping, biodiversity assessment, and conservation planning. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as marine biology, animal behaviour, vertebrate biology, palaeobiology, invertebrate zoology, biodiversity fieldwork, and international conservation field courses, including opportunities in South Africa and the UK. The third year is a compulsory professional placement year, where students gain valuable real-world experience with organisations such as the Environment Agency, Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and academic research institutions in the UK or abroad. In the final year, students complete an independent research project and choose from advanced specialist topics including Advanced Conservation Biology, Ecology of Urban Areas, Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases, Marine Biology Field Course, Paleoecology Research Field Course in Canada, Forensics, and Venoms and Poisons. Throughout the programme, students benefit from extensive fieldwork, access to modern laboratories, strong industry links, and the university’s diverse natural habitats. Graduates leave with advanced skills in ecological surveying, conservation management, data analysis, environmental assessment, scientific research, and professional practice, making them highly employable in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy, ecological research, government agencies, conservation charities, and postgraduate study.