BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology
About this course
BSc in Ecology and Conservation Biology, a marine biology degree focused on the study of ecosystems, species interactions, and environmental preservation. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students can undertake fieldwork activities within the UK, Spain, and South Africa, and have the option to apply for a professional work placement year. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Living Planet, Laboratory and Field Skills, Unlocking Scientific Success, Introduction to Genetics, and Field Course: investigating UK habitats, alongside optional subjects like Using Biology to Feed the World. The second year progresses into specialized study with compulsory modules including Population, Community and Conservation Ecology, Developing Scientific Excellence, Mediterranean Ecology Field Course, and Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course, complemented by choices such as Wildlife Ecology and Management. The final year involves advanced core study through Advanced Topics in Ecology, Biology Research Projects, and Advanced Topics in Conservation Science. Optional modules in the final year allow students to explore topics like Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security and Environmental Law.
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: AAB BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead. (Other BTEC subjects may be considered alongside a science A-level). IB: 31 overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science at Higher Level, a 6 will be required.
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 68%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 56 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 17%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 9%
- Elementary occupations: 8%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 76%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 62%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 51%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 385 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 29%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 20%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Living Planet
- Laboratory and Field Skills
- Unlocking Scientific Success
- Introduction to Genetics
- Field Course: investigating UK habitats
- Using Biology to Feed the World
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Introduction to Creating Sustainable Futures
- Ecology
- Vertebrate Evolution
- Discovery Modules
- Population, Community and Conservation Ecology
- Developing Scientific Excellence
- Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
- Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course
- Wildlife Ecology and Management
- How Plants Live
- Parasitology
- Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour
- Food Security and Sustainability
- Climate Change Science and Impacts
- Managing Biodiversity
- Discovery Modules
- Advanced Topics in Ecology
- Biology Research Projects
- Advanced Topics in Conservation Science
- Level 3 Field Course (South Africa)
- Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security
- Environmental Law
- Advanced Topics in Evolution
- Advanced Topics in Behaviour: From Sex to Death
- Social Biology
- Discovery Modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £43,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of Leeds?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.