STUDY
BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science
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Course options: | Professional Placement |
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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
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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.
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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 20243rd in the UK for spend on academic services
Complete University Guide 20254th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction
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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
Facilities and Resources
Whatever you choose to study, you will learn in state-of-the-art surroundings. We have invested across the University to create an environment showcasing the latest teaching facilities enabling you to achieve great things.
Every teaching room has state-of-the-art AV equipment enhancing students learning experience and spread across the open study areas there are approximately 50 iMacs. The dual function technology allows students to choose between Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac software, allowing students to utilise the technology that best supports their chosen field of study.
The Waterfront Building supports flexible learning with open study on all floors, where students can access networked computers.
Unibuddy: Chat to our Students and Staff
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