BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation
About this course
BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation is a four-year biological sciences degree focusing on the interactions between organisms and their environments, supported by a mandatory foundation year. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Environmental Analysis. The programme features a named final-year Research Project and offers optional placement opportunities. The first year establishes foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Foundation Biology 1, Foundation Biology 2, Foundation Chemistry 1, and Academic and Scientific skills: Foundations for tackling Global Challenges 1, alongside additional introductory studies in ecology and chemistry. The second year advances core knowledge with compulsory modules including Advanced Ecology, Conservation Science in Practice, and Quantitative/Professional Skills, while optional routes cover topics like animal behaviour, marine biology, and comparative vertebrate biology. The final year centres on independent investigation through the Research Project module, complemented by optional studies in areas such as paleoecology, epidemiology, and advanced conservation biology.
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: BBB - for applicants without a science subject CCC - for applicants with a science subject Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. IB: 30 - for applicants without a science subject 24 - for applicants with a higher level science subject If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question . DMM Grade 4 (C) in Science if not studying science at A level
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What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 84%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 61%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 30%
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 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 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- 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
- Foundation Biology 1
- Foundation Biology 2
- Foundation Chemistry 1
- Academic and Scientific skills: Foundations for tackling Global Challenges 1
- Foundation Chemistry 2
- Health, Disease and Society
- Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
- 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
- Palaeoecology 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 with Foundation 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 with Foundation at University of Reading do next?
100% 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 with Foundation at University of Reading?
91% 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 with Foundation at University of Reading?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 133 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Foundation at University of Reading?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.