STUDY

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science

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Course options: Professional Placement
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C180
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three/four years full-time, four and a half to nine years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)
Course options: Professional Placement
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C180
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three/four years full-time, four and a half to nine years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science degree combines zoology, ecology, environmental science, and conservation biology to prepare you for a wide range of careers in wildlife conservation and research. Aligning with the criteria for accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, this course directly addresses skills gaps identified by employers in the conservation and environmental sector.

Extensive fieldwork embedded throughout. You will gain hands-on experience at ecologically important sites across Suffolk, while benefiting from unparalleled international opportunities. Students enjoy an immersive wildlife surveying field retreat to the Highlands of Scotland in the first weeks of the course and later have options to travel to the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. We go to South Africa to study large mammal conservation, and to the Amazon Rainforest, for modules in Primatology, and Herpetology.

Alongside fieldwork, you will develop modern laboratory and ecological analysis techniques, including GIS mapping, bioacoustics and genetics and can elect to follow a pathways in wildlife research or science communication through teaching, media or wildlife film. Throughout your degree, you’ll work closely with our internationally active research team and our key industry partners, including Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Colchester Zoo, and the RSPB, gaining valuable professional experience and making vital connections for your future career.

Our graduates leave with a rich network of contacts and a highly sought-after skill set, ready to pursue careers in ecological consultancy, conservation management, research, science communication, and environmental policy. You could find yourself working with wildlife trusts, government agencies, research organisations, zoos, or international NGOs such as the WWF, as well as in sustainability, agri-tech, or education.

This course is more than just a degree—it’s an opportunity to explore the natural world, develop real conservation skills, and make a difference for wildlife and the environment on a global scale.

Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science

Wildlife students with mammal trap

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

The Complete University Guide 2024

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

The Complete University Guide 2024

11th

in the UK for social inclusion

The Good University Guide 2023

Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend' — more information can be found on Why Suffolk?  You can also watch our Block and Blend video

Professional Placement

You can opt to include a professional placement year during your course to gain professional experience and relevant practical skills to enhance your prospects of securing graduate employment. This would mean your course length would change from three years full-time to four years full-time.

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Student next to tree with camera

In this module, we will examine the structure and function of the subcellular components of microbial, plant and animal cells, and explore the genetic principles that are central to our understanding of inheritance, organismal diversity and evolution.

This module will provide you with the core skills required to carry out basic scientific procedures and communicate their research in an appropriate scientific format.  The module is based on a series of practical sessions and is designed to develop the skills required for subsequent advanced modules on the course.

This module is designed to provide an understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world’s ecosystems.  The module will examine the human impact on natural habitats, aquatic and terrestrial life and introduce how to balance society’s needs with the sustainability of the environment. 

This module gives students a broad overview of life on earth. It follows the development from the first basic cells through to modern animals and plants. Students will gain an appreciation of the process of evolution through natural selection and the classification of species.

Understanding how individuals, populations and communities interact with each other and their environment is essential for successful management of natural resources and the protection of species, habitats and ecosystems. The module includes fieldtrips to learn key surveying skills for measuring wildlife populations.

This field-based module trains students in techniques used by ecological consultancies to carry out ecological surveys.  We will visit some of the best local wildlife sites and learn how to track and identify British wildlife species. We do amphibian and reptile surveys, small mammal trapping, bat surveys, otter and water vole surveys and others.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
Wildlife students research ‘bioacoustics’ (wildlife sound)
Wildlife students research ‘bioacoustics’ (wildlife sound)
Student studying Primatology
Student studying Primatology

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

This degree will give you the opportunity to follow many career paths. From research in universities, research organisations and museums to working for non-governmental organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB or the WWF. Other opportunities include:

  • Planning Consultants
  • Conservationists
  • Science writers
  • Agri-tech
  • Sustainability Management 
  • Opportunities in Wildlife Parks and Zoos 
  • Government Agencies 

Your Course Team

Dr Mark Bowler

Mark is Course Leader in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science. He works on wildlife distributions and the effects of human activity on animal populations.

Mark Bowler staff profile photo

Hei Sung

Hei is a lecturer in wildlife and conservation at the School of Allied Health Sciences, joining in August 2023.

h.sung@uos.ac.uk
Hei Sung staff profile photo

Dr Christopher Turner

Christopher is Head of Life Science. His research studies animals at all levels, from their molecular and cell biology to their behaviour and ecology.

Christopher Turner staff profile photo

Cátia Marques

Catia is Course Leader in the BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy and has worked in cell research in several laboratories across Europe.

Catia Marques staff profile photo

Richard Farrar

Richard teaches and leads a number of modules on the School’s undergraduate programmes including BSc Nutrition and Human Health.

Richard Farrar staff profile photo

Dr Nick Tucker

Nick Tucker is Associate Dean and lecturer for Biomedical Sciences and is a molecular microbiologist interested in the biology of Pseudomonas bacteria.

Nick Tucker staff profile photo

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,535

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fees

£2,384*

per 30 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,690

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The University of Suffolk is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
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How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
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"The University of Suffolk empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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Related Courses

Plant cell under microscope
BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science (with Foundation Year)

This degree will give you the opportunity to study zoology, ecology, environmental and conservation science, in one of the UK’s renowned wildlife hotspots.

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89%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science (Full time) at University of Suffolk, over two years

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

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Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science at University of Suffolk

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

Make an informed choice.

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