MSci Conservation Biology and Ecology
About this course
MSci in Conservation Biology and Ecology, a marine biology degree focused on the scientific principles underpinning biodiversity protection and ecological management. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Human Behaviour. Students complete an extensive series of practical field courses in UK and international locations alongside a specialised research project. The first year introduces foundational subjects through compulsory modules such as Ecology and Conservation, Animal Diversity, and Evolution and Genetics, with options including Life Processes. The second year advances data handling and theory via Population and Community Ecology, Analysis of Biological Data, and Conservation Science, alongside multiple field courses. Third-year studies incorporate advanced compulsory research modules and international field courses, including Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation: Costa Rica Field Course and Alpine Ecology Field Course. Optional modules across the programme span areas such as Marine Ecology, Animal Behaviour, Ecological Economics, 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. Required subjects: B in a science subject*. *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.
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What students say
Based on about 79 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 105 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 98%
- Left higher education: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
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 135 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
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
- Research Project
- Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology
- Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation: Costa Rica Field Course
- Alpine Ecology Field Course
- Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course
- Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation in Wild Places: The Forests and Oceans of Yukon and Alaska
- European Wildlife Conservation Field Course in the Pyrenees
- Marine Ecology and Evolutionary Conservation in Corsica
- Oceans and Coasts of the Azores Field Course
- Ecology, behaviour and human-wildlife conflict in Northern Spain field course
- Marine Vertebrate Conservation
- Living in Groups
- Symbiosis in Marine Systems
- Sensory Ecology
- Science in Society
- Animal Life Histories
- Ecological Responses to Climate Change
- Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease
- Animal Migration
- Animal Cognition
- Primate Biology and Conservation
- Ocean Management and Conservation
- Major Transitions in Evolutionary History
- The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology
- Evolution and Human Behaviour
- Human-Animal Interactions
- Living with Environmental Change
- Professional Development Experience
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Conservation Biology and Ecology at University of Exeter?
98% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.