BSc Ecology
About this course
BSc in Ecology, an ecology degree focused on environmental systems, organismal biology and conservation. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme includes a substantial final-year research project. The first year covers foundational concepts through Building Blocks of Biology, Fundamentals in Animal Biology, and Fundamentals in Ecology and Plant Diversity. The second year examines Climate and Climate Change, Ecology and Conservation, and Genetics, Evolution and Diversity. The third year advances into Climate Change: Plants, Animals and Ecosystems, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology, and Wildlife Surveying. The final year focuses on professional applications through Environmental Regulation and Consultancy, Population and Community Ecology, and a Research Project. Optional modules across later years include Marine Biology, Sustainable Land Management, and Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC diploma) in subject areas other than biological science, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSEs, experience and motivation. IB: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed an international baccalaureate in subject areas other than higher level biological science, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSE subjects (or equivalent), experience and motivation.
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 55%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Sports and fitness occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 35%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 5%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 15%
- Wales: 15%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modules
- Building Blocks of Biology
- Communication Skills
- Fundamentals in Animal Biology
- Fundamentals in Ecology and Plant Diversity
- Microbes, Health and Disease
- Practical and Analytical Skills for Biologists
- Climate and Climate Change
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Ecology and Conservation
- Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
- Microbial and Plant Diversity
- Skills for Wildlife Scientists
- Climate Change: Plants, Animals and Ecosystems
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology
- Research Methods
- Wildlife Surveying
- Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring
- Freshwater Biology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Marine Biology
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Environmental Regulation and Consultancy
- Population and Community Ecology
- Research Project
- Behavioural Neurobiology
- Freshwater Biology Field Course
- Sustainable Land Management
- Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse
- Wildlife Conservation & Biodiversity
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology at Aberystwyth University earn?
The median salary is £23,500 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £32,500. The £28,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Ecology at Aberystwyth University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ecology at Aberystwyth University?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Ecology at Aberystwyth University?
The average entrant had 98 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ecology at Aberystwyth University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
How many students continue on BSc Ecology at Aberystwyth University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.