Ecology and Conservation BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)

Professional accreditation

The BSc(Hons) element of this course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

This programme has been accredited following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

By choosing a course with accreditation, you can be confident that your course meets a set of criteria determined by bioscience professionals independent of the university. Accreditation provides a mark of good practice and provides an assurance that you will graduate with appropriate knowledge and skills.

Prepare for your career

Gain insight into professional practice, from projects with our industry partners that tie in teaching, research and field trips with current ecological issues such as rewilding.

Develop transferable skills by working in groups with other students from across our natural sciences courses to solve problems, share knowledge and support each other.

Take real life case studies and create an ecological impact assessment mirroring the role of an ecological consultant.

Our careers module in year two includes visits from guest speakers who share their experience with you.

Facilities for learning

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for the study of ecology, molecular biology, and microbiology.

Facilities include a dedicated microbiology lab, primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility, molecular biology lab with access to RT-PCR equipment, an Image Analysis Suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes, and a genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our biosciences facilities.

Professional links

Connect with our professional networks as visiting lecturers with a range of ecological expertise, from bats to ecological policy, share their insight and knowledge with you.

Our links with local and national organisations provide opportunities for placements, volunteering, projects and individual research in current ecological issues.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have gone on to careers in conservation organisations, ecological consultancies, local authorities, scientific research, animal care and teaching.

Others choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

Further study

If you achieve the required standard in year 2 of the BSc(Hons), you can progress to the third year of the Ecology and Conservation MSci and study towards a masters-level qualification.

This degree also opens up a range of postgraduate study options. We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following fields, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level.

• Ecology and Conservation MRes
• Biological Sciences MRes

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

• Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
• Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
• Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
• Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
• Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
• Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more about our Careers Service...