MSci Ecology and Conservation Biology
About this course
MSci (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation Biology, a marine biology degree focused on the scientific study of biological systems and environmental interactions. Core topics include Fieldwork. The course holds interim accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology. The first year covers foundational scientific principles through compulsory modules such as Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills, Ecological principles, Genetics, Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges, Dynamic Earth, and Life on Earth. The second year progresses with modules like Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication and Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action, alongside optional choices covering Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges, Enhancing Biodiversity, Population Genetics and Evolution, Practical Ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Ecosystem Management and Conservation, and Geographical Information Systems. The third year centres on the Bioscience Capstone Project alongside options including Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene, Evolution, Ecology (field course - Biology), Tackling Britain's Environmental Challenges (field course - Environment and Geography), Biodiversity and Society, Current Research in Ecology, Genomics, and the Sustainability Clinic. The final fourth year is dedicated to advanced training through Research Skills and Research Proposal.
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: AAA including Biology and a second science We accept the following subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 36 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology plus either 5 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 5 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects. We accept the following IB subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Mathematics (A&A or A&I), Physics, Psychology, Sports, exercise and health science BTEC: DDD We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2010 syllabus), please contact us for information on the units we accept.
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What students say
Based on about 272 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 104 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 53%
- Working and studying: 14%
- Further study: 17%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 23%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Teaching Professionals: 5%
- Caring personal services: 4%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 78%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 62%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 20%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 17%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
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: 85%
- A degree: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
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, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills
- Ecological principles
- Genetics
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges
- Dynamic Earth
- Life on Earth
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
- Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges
- Enhancing Biodiversity
- Population Genetics and Evolution
- Practical Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Ecosystem Management and Conservation
- Geographical Information Systems
- Bioscience Capstone Project
- Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
- Evolution
- Ecology (field course - Biology)
- Tackling Britain's Environmental Challenges (field course - Environment and Geography)
- Biodiversity and Society
- Current Research in Ecology
- Genomics
- Sustainability Clinic (Semester 1)
- Sustainability Clinic (Semester 2)
- Research Skills
- Research Proposal
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of York earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £43,500. The £33,500 median after five years is £7,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of MSci Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of York do next?
84% 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 Biology at University of York?
90% 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 Biology at University of York?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
Is MSci Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of York accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does MSci Ecology and Conservation Biology at University of York 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 Biology at University of York?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.