Program Overview

Ecology and Conservation BSc Hons

The Ecology and Conservation BSc Hons program at Lancaster University is a three-year undergraduate degree that combines ecological theory and practice through lectures, tutorials, field trips, and lab work.

Overview

The program focuses on the scientific foundations of conservation biology and ecosystem ecology, examining how species, communities, and environments interact. Students will develop an understanding of the significant threats to global biodiversity and learn how to quantify biodiversity, assess population sizes and threats, and apply conservation strategies at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

Course Structure

The program is divided into three years, with a range of core and optional modules. In Year 1, students will be introduced to key topics such as ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. In Year 2, students will begin to hone their interests by choosing from a range of optional modules, including organismal biology, remote sensing technologies, and environmental sciences. In Year 3, students will undertake an independent research project with support from renowned research-active academics.

Core Modules

• Biodiversity and Global Change
• Ecology
• Ecology Field and Data Skills
• Evolutionary Biology
• Foundation Skills for LEC
• Biological Research Design and Delivery
• Ecology and Conservation
• Ecology Field Skills
• Dissertation

Optional Modules

• Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
• Genetics and Biotechnology
• Microbes, Pathogens and Immunity
• Evolution
• Geographical Data Science
• Living with the Landscape
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Plant Biology
• Soil Science
• Vertebrate Biology
• Animal Behaviour
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Eco-Innovation for Sustainable Development
• Food and Agriculture in the 21st Century
• Host-Parasite Interactions
• Interdisciplinary Conservation Science
• Marine Ecology Field Course
• Political Ecology
• Spatial Data Analysis
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Tropical Biology and Conservation Field Course

Entry Requirements

• A levels: ABB, including two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology
• Access to HE Diploma: Considered on a case-by-case basis
• Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: Accepted in place of one A level
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, with sufficient science
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects, including two HL science subjects at grade 6
• GCSE requirements: Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C
• English language requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component

Fees and Funding

• Home fees: Ł9,790 (2026/27)
• International fees: Ł30,770 (2026/27)
• Additional costs: Approximately Ł110 for travel to field sites, wet weather clothing, boots, and waterproof notebooks
• Scholarships and bursaries: Available, including the Lancaster Bursary, Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship, and International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

Facilities

• Research Glasshouses
• Hazelrigg Weather Station
• Environmental Chemistry Laboratories
• International Field Sites
• Teaching Labs

Similar Courses

• Ecology and Conservation MSci Hons
• Ecology and Conservation (Placement Year) BSc Hons
• Ecology and Conservation (Study Abroad) BSc Hons

Important Information

The University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances, the University may need to amend the programs and provision advertised.