BSc Ecology and Conservation
About this course
BSc (Honours) in Ecology and Conservation, a marine biology degree focused on the scientific study of natural habitats and biodiversity protection. Core topics include Research Methods. The course spans four years full time and covers biological sciences through progressive stages from foundational concepts to specialized ecological analysis. The first year introduces molecular and cellular biology alongside organismal and ecological aspects of life through modules such as Biology 1 and Biology 2. The second year expands into biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, research methods in biology, and vertebrate zoology. The third year offers advanced study in specialized areas through modules including Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach, Biology of Marine Organisms, Ecosystems and Conservation, Quantitative Ecology, Evolution, and Methods in Aquatic 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: AAB, including Biology and one other science from the following: Chemistry Mathematics Physics. IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL6 in one of the following subjects: Chemistry Mathematics Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 20%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 9%
- South East: 6%
- Scotland: 55%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Modules
- Biology 1
- Biology 2
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Research Methods in Biology
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach
- Biology of Marine Organisms
- Ecosystems and Conservation
- Quantitative Ecology
- Evolution
- Methods in Aquatic Biology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology and Conservation at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £40,500. 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 at University of St Andrews 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 St Andrews?
98% 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 St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 209 UCAS points.
Does BSc Ecology and Conservation at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology and Conservation at University of St Andrews?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.