BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
About this course
BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation is an undergraduate degree exploring ecological systems, biodiversity, and the relationships between organisms and their environments. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Environmental Analysis. Students can choose to undertake an optional placement year or a foundation year as part of their studies. The first year covers foundational subjects through compulsory modules such as Field Ecology, Our Changing Planet, Fundamentals of Ecology, History of Life on Earth, and Ecology and Environmental Management, with optional modules available in topics like Fundamentals of Evolution. The second year progresses to advanced concepts with compulsory modules including Advanced Ecology, Conservation Science in Practice, and Quantitative/Professional Skills, alongside optional field courses and biological subjects. The final year centres on independent investigation through the compulsory Research Project module, accompanied by a wide range of specialised optional modules covering topics from paleoecology and marine biology to zoonotic diseases and urban ecology.
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 at A level, including grade B in a science subject. Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geology, and Computer Science. IB: 32 points overall, including 5 at higher level in a science subject.
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 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 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 30%
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Research and Development (RandD) and Other Research Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 230 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 18%
- South East: 38%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Field Ecology
- Our Changing Planet
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- History of Life on Earth
- Ecology and Environmental Management
- Fundamentals of Evolution
- Landscapes and Natural Resources
- Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics
- Advanced Ecology
- Conservation Science in Practice
- Quantitative/Professional Skills
- Ecology and Conservation Field Course
- UK Biodiversity Field Course
- Comparative Vertebrate Biology
- Marine Biology and Conservation
- Palaeobiology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Animal Behaviour
- Research Project
- Paleoecology Research Field Course
- Marine Biology Field Course
- Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
- Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
- Forensics
- Ecology of Urban Areas
- Advanced Conservation Biology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £36,000. The £29,000 median after five years is £3,000 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading 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 Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading?
95% 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 Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 126 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at University of Reading?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.