Ecology and Conservation BSc(Hons)

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Top reasons to choose this course

• Gain a degree with professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, meaning you’ll graduate with an appropriate set of knowledge and skills aligned with professional practice.
• ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø boasts city, coast and countryside – on the edge of the South Downs and with local nature reserves nearby, it is also part of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere. 
• Learn specialist field skills on day trips and residential field trips to places such as South Africa and Shropshire as well as in our rich local environment.
• Travel and accommodation included in the fees for mandatory residential trips to locations such as Shropshire (go to the Fees and costs section for more info).
• Boost your CV with work experience opportunities, including an optional placement year, funded internship schemes and community volunteering.
• Learn hands-on in our specialist facilities such as our aquatic suite, GIS lab and ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.
• Active student involvement in biodiversity and sustainability projects – join initiatives like the Hedgehog Friendly Campus, University Mammal Challenge and campus monitoring of plants, birds and habitats. Students also help restore chalk grassland with Sussex Wildlife Trust and enhance campus biodiversity through ponds and habitat improvements.
• Contribute to our research in areas such as micropollutants, invasive species, aquatic environments and the reintroduction of species.

Year 1

You will explore the key principles of ecology and conservation and develop the essential skills that a professional bioscientist needs.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology

  This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater biology by examining the evolution  and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. You will focus on physical and chemical aspects of aquatic ecosystems, their impact on the populations of organisms that live in these ecosystems and how organisms adapt to their environments. Practical sessions will cover methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well as developing effective science communication skills.

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and learn to apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations and evolution. You’ll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques. 

• Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

  This module introduces the study of living organisms. You will explore the morphology and physiological adaptions of microbes, virus, fungi and plants, focusing on identifying organisms, their key cellular features and associated processes and functions. You’ll also look at their links to environments and how they interact with other organisms.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module provides an introduction to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science, illustrated with the use of both classic and cutting-edge case studies. Emphasis is placed on the links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research. 

• Terrestrial Ecosystems

  This module will introduce you to major terrestrial natural and semi-natural habitats, covering key ecological and biological processes that structure these systems. You will reflect on the conservation challenges and management strategies used to maintain and restore these habitats. You’ll also learn about, and use, field-based techniques during field trips and local site visits.

Year 2

Second year topics continue to build you knowledge and skills and you will have the option of a field trip to South Africa.

Modules

Core modules

• Population Biology for Conservation

  This module will teach you about the conceptual aspects of wildlife populations, their conservation and management, and how behaviour serves as the fundamental link between single organisms and population processes. You will study population genetic mechanisms, such as genetic drift and inbreeding, and how these interact to influence threatened species. You will also discuss the dynamics of current and future threats to surviving populations and learn to interpret population biology data.

• GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

  This module will help you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of optical Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and apply this learning to real-world situations in the geographical, geological and environmental sciences. You will be encouraged to engage in spatial and digital computing, remote sensing, data handling and problem solving so you become proficient at using remote sensing and GIS software.

• Research Skills and Professional Development

  This module will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to improve your graduate career opportunities. You’ll grow your understanding of the role of experimental design in the data collection stage of a laboratory investigation and enhance your skills in the analysis of such data. You will also gain investigative, reflective, communication, self-presentation and digital literacy skills relevant to career planning and development.

• Animal Diversity and Adaptations

  This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the vast diversity of the animal kingdom and the various adaptations that have evolved to enable animals to survive and thrive in different, and sometimes extreme, environments. You will explore the principles of animal classification, evolutionary processes and the remarkable range of functional adaptations exhibited by animals.

• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

  This module will develop your knowledge of global marine and freshwater habitats. You will investigate and discuss the diversity of habitats, including lentic, lotic, transitional and marine systems, and explore aquatic systems, from source to sea. The module will cover a range of human-made impacts and conservation issues related to the disturbance of systems and species. A series of one-day field trips will enhance your practical abilities, including survey techniques and identification skills.

Options*

• Sustainable Futures

  This module will introduce you to historical and contemporary debates around sustainability and encourage you to ‘think spatially’ about environmental and social inequalities associated with approaches to sustainability and sustainable development through relevant case studies. Topics might include vulnerabilities and conflicts in water supply systems, food security and food sovereignty. A field visit to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø will help you explore pathways to sustainability in practice and provide a firsthand context in which to deepen critical engagement with key sustainable development debate.

• Applied Conservation Field Course (UK)

  This module takes the form of lectures, workshops and field days that will provide you with training in ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and the collection of field data. As part of a personal project, you will be able to design and undertake individual field investigations. You will gain practical experience and expand your knowledge of applied ecological issues such as land management, environmental assessment and conservation of rare species.

• Environmental Pollution

  This module investigates how society manages pollution in order to protect human health and the natural environment. You will examine changing attitudes to pollution and how environment management and technology can be used for pollution control. You’ll also explore sustainability and technologies in relation to the management of waste, air quality, water, wastewater and noise pollution.

• Ecology and Conservation International Field Course

  The exact content of this module depends upon location as it features a combination of lectures and workshops which take place during an international residential field trip. You will learn ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and how to collect field data while experiencing and learning about the ecology of a specific ecosystem outside the UK. You’ll be able to design and undertake individual field investigations as well developing your teamwork, communication and presentation skills.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

There are many advantages of spending a placement year working in industry or research. It can help you to:

• apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
• learn new skills which can help in your career
• explore specialisms to gain a better idea of what you want to do
• gain vital work experience and build a network of professional contacts
• come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including:

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Paignton Zoo
• Sea Life ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø
• The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

Learn more about placement opportunities at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.

Final year

You will study current topics in your Ecology and Conservation degree and undertake an ecology research project. Option modules mean you can choose the subjects that interest you most.

Modules

Core modules

• Ecological Impact Assessment

  Using a hands-on approach, this module gives you an overview of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) processes within the current legal context and requirements. You will adopt the role of consultant and undertake surveys using biodiversity metric tools to complete a Preliminary Ecological Assessment leading to an EcIA, produce a technical report and discuss limitation and mitigation opportunities associated with the assignment.

• Ecology Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills by pursuing an independent and original scientific investigation in the field of ecology and report on the results. Studying independently, you will produce a full project report in the format of a scientific paper and present a summary of the project in poster format which will be assessed through an oral examination. You will be supported with key skills workshops and supervisory guidance throughout.

• Species Interactions

  The biology, behaviour and ecology of most species are influenced by their interactions with other organisms. This module will help you develop an appreciation for the complexities of relationships between plants and animals, animals and microbes, and plants and microbes. There will be an emphasis on understanding the positive and negative species interactions, including the role of organisms in the spread of disease, as well as researching the nature of interspecies relationships as drivers for ecosystem development.

• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

  This module explores some of the key contemporary and emerging issues in applied ecology and conservation. Emphasis is placed on providing an interactive learning experience where you can engage with current scientific debates, policy challenges and innovative research – from the UK and worldwide – advancing your skills in critical thinking and synthesis of sources, evidence-based decision-making, and communicating to diverse audiences.

Options*

• The Frozen Planet

  The Frozen Planet module examines the processes and resulting land systems associated with glacial and periglacial environments and explores how ice interacts with and physically shapes the landscape. You will learn about glacier motion; glacial and periglacial erosion, transport and deposition; glacial and periglacial hazards; palaeoenvironmental reconstruction; sedimentology and micromorphology; permafrost and ground ice; and periglacial slope processes. The relationships between ice and sea level change, ice and climate change, and ice and engineering will also be explored.

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

  This advanced module on spatial and digital computing will strengthen the data-handling and critical thinking skills you gained in the GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice module. It will teach you the expertise needed to identify and critically examine geographical and wider environmental issues. The module blends theory and applied practice, with selected methods to encourage you to retain and reapply geospatial information across unfamiliar contexts. You will be supported in developing novel solutions and evaluating their effectiveness through real-world examples and case studies.

• Independent Study Module

  This independent study module gives you the opportunity to thoroughly research key areas of a topical issue in contemporary biosciences to a level not possible in other taught modules. You will choose two topics related to your degree subject in which you will be able to specialise. By focusing on areas of specific personal interest, you will further develop transferable skills such as planning, written and communication skills.

• Political Ecology: Contested Environments

  In this module you will explore global environmental challenges through the lens of political ecology which provides a framework for the critical thinking needed to examine power and the politics of nature-society interactions. You will study themes including resource access; property and ecosystem management; colonial-capitalist natures and the rights of Indigenous people; coloniality, extractivism and conflict; socionatures and urban infrastructures; environmental identities; and political subjectivities.

• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

  In this module you will examine the major environmental processes that are important to aquatic habitats such as rivers, coasts and marine ecosystems. Site visits will facilitate the critical evaluation of selected aquatic habitats so you can gain an understanding of anthropogenic impacts – for example climate change, renewable energy and over-exploitation of resources – as well as natural disturbances, and explore opportunities for mitigation and restoration of disturbed sites.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Staff profile

Dr Rachel White, course leader

“I’m an ecologist and conservationist passionate about birds, nature and inspiring others to connect with the environment. My research focuses on avian ecology, urban wildlife and human-bird interactions, with a strong belief in evidence-based conservation and ‘conservation optimism’.

“I studied Zoology at Durham University, followed by an MSc in Conservation Science at Imperial College London and a PhD at the University of Kent. My work has taken me from the Caribbean to UK Overseas Territories, researching endangered species and conservation strategies.

“I like to combine my research into teaching, using interactive methods like field trips, debates and real-world case studies. I also help students connect with conservation organisations for hands-on experience.

“I actively lead outreach programmes, field research and public engagement initiatives, empowering the next generation of ecologists and conservationists.”

Find out about the rest of the course team

Facilities

You will gain valuable, hands-on experience in our specialist labs and using our field equipment, including:

• environment and public health lab
• soil and water analysis labs
• soil and sediment analysis lab
• hydraulics Lab
• environmental simulation lab
• scanning electron microscopy facility
• air quality lab
• GIS and other professional software
• equipment for field-based geophysical surveying
• field collection equipment and drones.

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

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2026–27 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,958. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

The course fees shown here are what you will pay for the first year of your course if you start in the academic year 2026–27 and you are studying full-time (fee amount is subject to parliamentary approval). You pay fees in each year of your course. The fees you pay may increase each year.

Regulated fees

Fees for UK students on undergraduate and some postgraduate courses are set by the UK government. These are known as regulated fees. From academic year 2026–27, regulated fees will increase annually in line with forecast inflation.

Student Finance England loans for tuition fees and maintenance will also rise in line with inflation.

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Unregulated fees

Course fees for international students taking undergraduate courses and for most postgraduate courses are not regulated by the UK government. Unregulated fees may increase each year by up to 5% or the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (whichever is higher).

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and (pdf) for more on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø tuition fees.
• ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more.

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Support and wellbeing

Sport at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø