MSci Ecology and Conservation
About this course
An MSci in Ecology and Conservation, an ecology and conservation degree focusing on organismal biology, natural ecosystems and environmental management. Core topics include Programming, Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students can choose to complete an optional placement year, study abroad, or undertake a foundation year. The first year introduces foundational biological principles through modules such as Cells, Organisms and Systems, Biodiversity & Ecology, and Research Methods for Biology, Ecology and Zoology. The second year builds on this with Conservation Biology, Population & Community Ecology, and Conservation Ecology Field Course. The third year centres on independent investigation through the Third Year Bioscience Research Project and Conservation in Practice, alongside optional study in areas like Behavioural Ecology and Animal-Plant Interactions. The fourth year concludes the integrated masters with advanced study via Quantitative Skills in Ecology, Research Foundations, and the Life Sciences MSci research project, with further options including Rewilding and Ecosystem Services.
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 or ABB IB: 34 points
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 81%
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: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 27%
- South East: 44%
- South West: 9%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 55%
- Access course: 15%
- A degree: 25%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cells, Organisms and Systems
- Skills, Ethics and Society
- The Natural World: From Deep Time to Our Time
- Biodiversity & Ecology
- Research Methods for Biology, Ecology and Zoology
- Sustainable Development: Big Ideas for Global Action
- Coastal Ecology Field Course
- Neuroscience and Behaviour
- Conservation Biology
- Research and Professional Skills I: Zoology & Ecology
- Conservation Ecology Field Course
- Population & Community Ecology
- Research and Professional Skills II: Zoology & Ecology
- Animals in Their World: From Physiology to Behaviour
- Introduction to Sustainable Development
- Marine Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Geographies of the Living Earth
- The Restless World: Environmental Hazards, Risks and Disasters
- Third Year Bioscience Research Project
- Conservation in Practice
- Advanced Topics in Conservation
- Animal-Plant Interactions
- Behavioural Ecology
- Communicating STEM
- Programming for Life Sciences
- Tropical Rainforest Science Field Trip
- African Zoology Field Course
- Animals in the Anthropocene
- Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
- Palaeozoology
- Quantitative Skills in Ecology
- Research Foundations
- Life Sciences MSci research project
- Current Topics in Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation
- Masters Tropical Rainforest Field Course
- Rewilding and Ecosystem Services
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Ecology and Conservation at University of Sussex earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,000 and £38,500. The £31,000 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of MSci Ecology and Conservation at University of Sussex do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Ecology and Conservation at University of Sussex?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Ecology and Conservation at University of Sussex?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 146 UCAS points.
Does MSci Ecology and Conservation at University of Sussex include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Ecology and Conservation at University of Sussex?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.