Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Science

The BSc (Hons) Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Science program at Canterbury Christ Church University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and experience necessary to make a real impact in the field of conservation. This conservation degree offers a practical, purpose-driven career path for those passionate about the planet.

Overview

The program focuses on developing practical field, lab, and digital skills to investigate and monitor wildlife and ecosystems. Students will apply statistical and analytical methods, including geographical information systems (GIS), to decipher and map environmental data. They will also explore how to find, evaluate, and use scientific research to solve conservation problems, building strong communication and teamwork skills for use in scientific and professional settings.

What You'll Learn

• Develop practical field, lab, and digital skills to investigate and monitor wildlife and ecosystems.
• Apply statistical and analytical methods, including geographical information systems (GIS), to decipher and map environmental data.
• Explore how to find, evaluate, and use scientific research to solve conservation problems.
• Build strong communication and teamwork skills for use in scientific and professional settings.
• Understand how conservation links to global issues like sustainability, policy, and social change.

Entry Requirements

• Total Points required: 112
• Accepted qualifications include:
  • A Levels: BBC
  • BTEC: DMM
  • Access: 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 Points

Program Details

• Duration: 3 years
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Location(s): Canterbury
• UCAS code: C180
• Starting: September 2026

Why Study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at CCCU?

The university offers specialist facilities, real-world learning through extensive fieldwork and residential trips, and a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on skills. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside lecturers involved in active research in exciting areas such as species reintroduction, molecular ecology, rewilding, and soil pollution.

The CCCU Approach

At CCCU, learning is not confined to the degree subject. Students will work with those from other disciplines, taking modules taught by inspirational specialists in their field. The approach includes success modules, interdisciplinary modules, and employability modules designed to enhance personal, professional, and technical skills.

Module Information

The program includes core and optional modules. Core modules cover topics such as Global Diversity: Evolution to Ecosystems, Discovery and Data, Human and Physical Environments, and Introduction to Natural and Applied Sciences. Optional modules are available, but their offer is subject to a minimum number of students and staff availability.

How You'll Learn

Teaching features a mixture of practical sessions, lectures, workshops, and seminars, with an emphasis on practical and applied skills development. Independent study includes structured and guided learning resources, textbook chapters, videos, research papers, and online discussions. Face-to-face teaching hours per week may vary but typically range from 10-16 hours.

How You'll Be Assessed

Assessment methods vary and include coursework, timed online questionnaires, poster presentations, scientific reports, portfolios, and exams. The final year includes a dissertation module with a thesis assessment and a presentation.

Your Future Career

Graduates from related courses have gone on to work in roles such as Head of Sustainability, Senior Ecologist, Conservation Livelihoods Event Coordinator, and Nature Conservation Officer. Some pursue MScs, PhDs, or postgraduate courses, or train as teachers.

Fees

• UK (Full-time): £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year
• Overseas/International (Full-time): £17,000 for the 2026/27 academic year

Related Courses

• Geography (BSc)
• Animal Science (BSc)
• Geography with Foundation Year (BSc)