BSc Ecology and Conservation
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation, an ecology and environmental biology degree focused on natural communities, species distribution, and ecosystem preservation. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Human Behaviour. Students complete an independent final-year research project and can choose to undertake an optional placement year. The first year covers ecological patterns and spatial mapping through compulsory modules such as Ecology and the Diversity of Life, Introduction to Conservation Science, Exploring Nature Conservation, Spatial Ecology and GIS, Natural History and Field Skills, and Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 1, alongside optional field courses in Spain and the UK. The second year advances into population ecology and biological techniques with modules including Principles of Conservation Biology, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Methods in Biology, Tropical Biodiversity Field Course, and Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 2, with optional choices like Plant Ecophysiology and Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment. The final year centers on independent research and advanced conservation topics through compulsory modules such as SoBMS Project, Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 4, and Biodiversity Conservation: Science, Policy and Practice. Optional modules across the course allow further specialisation in areas such as plant biotechnology, global change biology, advanced behaviour analysis, bioinformatics, behavioural ecology, and marine vertebrate conservation, alongside an optional professional placement lasting at least 24 weeks.
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
GCSE: We would usually expect GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C / 4, or equivalent. A level: 104 points including a minimum of 2 A levels, to include Grade C in a relevant subject: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics , Physics, Applied Science, Computer Science, Design & Technology , Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science , Psychology, Sociology, Statistics. General Studies accepted. BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DDM in a relevant science subject. If you hold a BTEC qualification, it is vital that you provide admissions@plymouth.ac.uk with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. All Access courses: Science-based diplomas, 33 credits in science-based units at merit including a minimum of 12 credits in biology units and 21 credits in a second science subject. T level: Merit in Science. Refer to institution. International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall to include at least one relevant subject at grade 5. English and Maths can be considered within.
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What students say
Based on about 70 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 4%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 45%
- Wales: 6%
- Scotland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Access course: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Biology:Placement
- Ecology and the Diversity of Life
- Introduction to Conservation Science
- Exploring Nature Conservation
- Spatial Ecology and GIS
- Natural History and Field Skills
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 1
- Spain Field Ecology
- UK Field Ecology
- Principles of Conservation Biology
- Animal Behaviour
- Ecology
- Methods in Biology
- Tropical Biodiversity Field Course
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 2
- Plant Ecophysiology
- Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
- SoBMS Project
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 4
- Biodiversity Conservation: Science, Policy and Practice
- Plant Biotechnology
- Global Change Biology
- Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
- Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics
- Behavioural Ecology
- Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology and Conservation at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £30,500. 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 and Conservation at University of Plymouth 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 and Conservation at University of Plymouth?
94% 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 at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 146 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ecology and Conservation at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Ecology and Conservation at University of Plymouth 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 Ecology and Conservation at University of Plymouth?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.