BSc (Hons) Ecology & Wildlife Conservation

Course details

Effective conservation requires professionals that can integrate and understand ecology along with knowledge of the legislative frameworks in general and conservation biology.

This course integrates a variety of teaching methods including lectures, laboratory based practical sessions, field exercises, group activities and research projects for both theoretical and reflection-based learning. You'll also be involved in a field research skills week of practical exercises and group-based research within the local environment.

You will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the course. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Contact hours and assessment

Details of the assessment methods and contact hours for each unit of the course can be found in the programme specification.

Download the programme specification (pdf 906kb)Download the Foundation Year programme specification (pdf 338kb)

Why study BSc (Hons) Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at BU?

• Learn from expert academics, professional practitioners and guest speakers who will guide you through the wider social and legal context in which ecological conservation operates
• Gain practical experience with opportunities for fieldwork in a fantastic variety of local habitats including forests, meadows, heaths and maritime environments
• Undertake a 2-week placement in your first year as well as an additional 4-week placement in your second year or 30-week placement sandwich year after your second year
• Select subjects that match your personal passions and ambitions as the course has a wide range of option units
• Benefit from being part of a thriving network of staff, students, professional practitioners, and conservation organisations working together for wildlife conservation and research
• You'll be career ready, with 90% of graduates in employment or further study within fifteen months of finishing the course

Interested in studying this course part-time? Enquire now.

Find out more about the content of this course

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2024 and September 2025 entry:

• China: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course
• France: Baccalaureate with 11.5–12.5 overall or 10.5-11.5 (international option)
• Hong Kong: HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course
• India: All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70%
• Spain: Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 - 7. Grade depends on the course
• Turkey: Devlet Lise Diplomasi/Lise Bitirme Diplomasi 3.5/5.0 or 70%

We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU.

Options include:

• Foundation Certificate in Science

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be. You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses