BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Integrated Foundation Year and Sandwich Placement)

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Integrated Foundation Year and Sandwich Placement)

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation programme at the University of Cumbria is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges facing society and global ecosystems.

Course Structure

The programme consists of five years, including a foundation year and a sandwich placement.

Year One

• Essential University Skills 1
• Essential Biology
• Scientific Investigation
• Essential University Skills 2
• Environmental Sciences
• Dynamic Earth

Year Two

• The Tree of Life
• Skills for Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
• Key Concepts in Conservation Science
• Essentials in Ecology
• Form and Function
• Earth Systems

Year Three

• Research Design and Data Analysis
• Ecological Census Techniques
• Genetics and Evolution
• Geographical Information Systems
• Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Behaviour and Ecology
• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

Year Four

• Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Placement

Year Five

• Dissertation
• Ecosystem Management
• Environmental Philosophy, Policy and Practice
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation
• Behavioural Research in Conservation
• Marine and Freshwater Conservation

Teaching and Assessment

The programme uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, practical classes, tutorials, seminars, problem-based learning, fieldwork, and research-informed teaching. Assessments include laboratory reports, field projects, computer-based assessments, problem-solving activities, critical analysis of case studies, and dissertation research.

Entry Requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff Points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics, and Science at grade 4/C or above
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted

Qualifications

• A-levels: A - must have studied Biology, Applied Science, Conservation, Environmental Science, or Geography at Level 3
• T-levels: M – T Level Science is accepted for entry to this course
• Access to HE: 60 credits, 45 graded, 45 pass - Science based
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: D - Science based
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPP - to include Biology, Applied Science, Conservation, Environmental Science, or Geography

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

Additional Costs

• Books and journals: The University library holds copies of the core textbooks and scientific journals required for the programme.
• Stationery: Students will need to provide their own stationery, printing, and other basic materials.
• Clothing and equipment: Essential equipment includes a waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, warm hat and gloves, well-fitted wellington boots, a rucksack for day use, and other outdoor clothing.

Career Outcomes

Jobs that relate directly to an Ecology and Wildlife Conservation degree include:

• Academic (conservation professional)
• Animal handler
• Biodiversity consultant
• Climate scientist
• Conservation adviser/partnership coordinator
• Countryside ranger
• Ecological consultant
• Ecology and monitoring officer
• Ecosystem restoration officer
• Environmental assessor
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental educator
• Field technician
• GIS technician
• Government adviser
• Habitat restoration manager
• Hydrologist
• Marine biologist
• Pollution manager
• Project officer with NGOs
• Public engagement officer
• Research assistant
• Scientific researcher (MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral)
• Water resource manager
• Wildlife reserve manager
• Zookeeper

Jobs where an Ecology & Wildlife Conservation degree can be a useful route of entry include:

• Blue-green entrepreneur
• Environmental writer/journalist
• Renewable technologist
• Research scientist
• Sustainability adviser
• Teacher

Typical employers could include:

• Campaigning organisations
• National Conservation NGOs
• Government agencies
• International conservation organisations
• Private conservation organisations and charities