BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology
About this course
BSc in Conservation Biology and Ecology, a marine biology degree focused on the scientific study of ecosystems, biodiversity protection, and ecological interactions. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. Students undertake extensive practical fieldwork across various UK locations and participate in residential field courses during the degree. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Ecology and Conservation, Animal Diversity, and Evolution and Genetics, alongside optional study in Life Processes. The second year advances into specialized topics with compulsory modules including Population and Community Ecology, Analysis of Biological Data, Conservation Science, Scotland Field Course, Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course, Scillies St Agnes Field Course, and Scillies St Mary's Field Course. Optional modules in the later stages allow students to focus on areas such as Marine Ecology, Animal Behaviour, and GIS for Wildlife Mapping.
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: ABB. AAB (with Study Abroad only). Required subjects: B in a science subject*. A in a science subject* (with Study Abroad only). *Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only); Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths/Statistics; Marine Science; Nutrition and Food Science; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied). IB: 32/655. 34/665 (with Study Abroad only).
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What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 99%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Animal care and control services: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 25%
- South West: 40%
- Wales: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Ecology and Conservation
- Animal Diversity
- Evolution and Genetics
- Life Processes
- Population and Community Ecology
- Analysis of Biological Data
- Conservation Science
- Scotland Field Course
- Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course
- Scillies St Agnes Field Course
- Scillies St Mary's Field Course
- Ecological Economics
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Wildlife Disease
- Introduction to Ecological Consultancy
- Marine Ecology
- Animal Behaviour
- Wildlife Exploitation
- GIS for Wildlife Mapping
- Adaptations to Life on Earth
- Green Consultants
- Biogeography
- People and Nature
- Oceans and Human Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £29,000. The £25,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 135 UCAS points.
Does BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.