BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Ecology & Wildlife Conservation is an undergraduate degree focused on the study of ecosystems, evolutionary processes, and the practical protection of biodiversity. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Communication & Writing, and Human Behaviour. Students can choose to complete the course over three years full-time or take an optional placement year. The foundation year introduces fundamental scientific principles through compulsory modules such as Academic and Professional Study Skills, Applied Sciences, Introduction to Biology, Introduction to Psychology, Mathematics in Science, and Foundation Year Project. Year 1 covers core principles through Diversity of Life, Ecology, Exploring Nature from Cell to Landscape, Scientific Research Skills, Residential Field Trip, and Wildlife Protection. Year 2 advances analytical and field capabilities with compulsory units including Advanced Scientific Research Skills, Ecosystems, and Evolutionary Biology, alongside options like Wildlife Survey Skills, International Field Trip, Animal Biology, Environmental Pollution, Applications of Environmental Sciences, Behavioural Ecology, Environmental & Societal Challenges, Microbiology, and Geospatial Science. The final year centres on independent investigation and specialised topics, featuring compulsory modules Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation and Independent Research Project, while optional modules include Climate & Environmental Change, Emergence & Extinction, Environmental Remote Sensing, Marine Conservation, Ecological Genetics, Wildlife and Ecotourism, Wildlife distribution and responses to change, Environmental Law, Freshwater Resource Management, Sustainable Development & Globalisation, and Parasitology & Epidemiology.
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
For 2027 entry: 112–128 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BBC–ABB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also accept a wide range of vocational qualifications including BTEC Extended Diploma (grade DMM–DDM) and T Levels (Merit).
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 94%: 194 offers from 206 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 5%
- South East: 30%
- South West: 45%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Academic and Professional Study Skills
- Applied Sciences
- Introduction to Biology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Mathematics in Science
- Foundation Year Project
- Diversity of Life
- Ecology
- Exploring Nature from Cell to Landscape
- Scientific Research Skills
- Residential Field Trip
- Wildlife Protection
- Advanced Scientific Research Skills
- Ecosystems
- Evolutionary Biology
- Wildlife Survey Skills
- International Field Trip
- Animal Biology
- Environmental Pollution
- Applications of Environmental Sciences
- Behavioural Ecology
- Environmental & Societal Challenges
- Microbiology
- Geospatial Science
- Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation
- Independent Research Project
- Climate & Environmental Change
- Emergence & Extinction
- Environmental Remote Sensing
- Marine Conservation
- Ecological Genetics
- Wildlife and Ecotourism
- Wildlife distribution and responses to change
- Environmental Law
- Freshwater Resource Management
- Sustainable Development & Globalisation
- Parasitology & Epidemiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,000 and £29,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University?
81% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 111 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University?
94% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 194 offers from 206 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at Bournemouth University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.