MSci Evolutionary Biology
About this course
MSci in Evolutionary Biology, a human biology degree centred on the processes that drive biodiversity, adaptation, and ecological change. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, and Human Behaviour. The course includes extensive field investigations across UK and international locations, culminating in an independent research project conducted alongside leading research groups. The first year introduces fundamental biological principles through compulsory modules such as Ecology and Conservation, Animal Diversity, and Evolution and Genetics, alongside optional study in Life Processes. The second year advances core knowledge via Evolutionary Ecology, Analysis of Biological Data, Animal Behaviour, and multiple practical fieldwork options, complemented by optional subjects including Population and Community Ecology, Wildlife Disease, and Biogeography. The final year focuses heavily on original investigation and literature evaluation through compulsory modules like Research Project and Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology, alongside advanced international field courses. Students can further tailor their studies by choosing from diverse optional modules such as Living in Groups, Animal Cognition, and Primate Biology and Conservation.
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 8 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 94 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 61%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 17%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 11%
- Elementary occupations: 9%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 9%
- Skilled trades occupations: 8%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 64%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 51%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 415 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 18%
- South East: 22%
- South West: 31%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
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
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Analysis of Biological Data
- Animal Behaviour
- Scotland Field Course
- Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course
- Scillies St Agnes Field Course
- Scillies St Mary's Field Course
- Population and Community Ecology
- Wildlife Disease
- Conservation Science
- Marine Ecology
- Wildlife Exploitation
- Adaptations to Life on Earth
- Biogeography
- 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
- 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
- Major Transitions in Evolutionary History
- The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology
- Evolution and Human Behaviour
- Living with Environmental Change
- Professional Development Experience
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £37,000. The £30,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Biosciences (other).
What do graduates of MSci Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter do next?
87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 152 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.