Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Ecology and Conservation
Explore biodiversity and habitat restoration through hands-on learning in the UK and abroad. Build expertise in ecology, evolution, genetics, and conservation – preparing you for a career in ecology, conservation or environmental monitoring.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
Out in the field
Study in one of the UK’s richest natural environments, exploring diverse ecosystems in Devon and Cornwall – plus options for overseas trips.
Hands-on lab experience
Sharpen your practical skills in LABplus and our advanced microscopy and glasshouse units, guided by expert staff with real-world conservation experience.
Industry-connected learning
Take advantage of strong links with organisations like Paignton Zoo and the Eden Project, plus an optional placement year to boost your career prospects.
About
Hands-on ecology for a changing world
Discover a degree built on adventure, exploration and hands-on learning from day one. With Dartmoor National Park and °µÍø½âÃÜ Sound right on our doorstep, you’ll gain fieldwork experience in some of the UK’s most diverse habitats.
From immersive overseas field courses to cutting-edge lab work, you’ll extend your classroom into the real world and gain first-hand experience of a range of ecosystems. Supported by expert staff and strong industry links, you’ll build the skills and confidence for a career in ecology, conservation or environmental science.
This course is for you if...
you want to explore biodiversity through fieldwork in varied natural habitats – from Devon and Cornwall to overseas destinations
you're keen to apply science in the real world, from small-group tutorials to placements with local organisations
you're looking to build practical lab skills using cutting-edge facilities like glasshouses and microscopy units
you’re aiming for a career in ecology, conservation or environmental monitoring, supported by expert staff and hands-on training
Details
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll establish a solid foundation in ecology, biodiversity, natural history, taxonomy, genetics, evolution, microbiology, animal and plant physiology, and animal behaviour. You will gain essential practical field skills through local field trips and a field course. You’ll also begin to develop useful personal and transferable skills through individual and one-to-one meetings with a personal tutor.
Core modules
BIOL129
Professional Development in Biological Sciences 1
Skills in fieldwork, e.g. in identification, or in the laboratory, e.g. in liquid handling, are an important aspect of any biology degree, and can contribute to the employability of graduates. The purpose of this module is to track the progressive acquisition of a range of basic field, laboratory and transferable skills of relevance to each degree programme, and delivered in the other Level 4 modules.
BIOL132
Ecology and the Diversity of Life
20 credits
This module introduces the fundamental principles of ecology and the diversity of life. It examines patterns of life on Earth, past and present, and how an understanding of these supports efforts to conserve biodiversity and manage resources sustainably. The module also provides an overview of the domains of life on Earth, introducing the remarkable variety of organisms with which we share the planet.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI100
Introduction to Conservation Science
20 credits
This module offers first-year students an introduction to conservation science through immersive field and laboratory experiences. Students will gain hands-on skills in species identification, data collection, and ecosystem analysis using contemporary tools. Emphasis will be placed on science communication, teamwork, and statistical analysis in the context of both marine and terrestrial conservation.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
CONSCI101
Exploring Nature Conservation
20 credits
This module explores the evolution of nature conservation thinking, from early protectionist approaches to emerging paradigms that see people and nature as interdependent. Students will examine key concepts and interventions through case studies, critically assessing their effectiveness while developing interdisciplinary insight into contemporary conservation challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
CONSCI102
Spatial Ecology and GIS
20 credits
This module explores the evolution of nature conservation thinking, from early protectionist approaches to emerging paradigms that see people and nature as interdependent. Students will examine key concepts and interventions through case studies, critically assessing their effectiveness while developing interdisciplinary insight into contemporary conservation challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI103
Natural History and Field Skills
This module will introduce students to the study of Natural History and biodiversity in their local area. Students will be introduced to key taxonomic groups – plants, fungi, invertebrates, birds and mammals – and the appropriate survey techniques through field and lab-based exercises and a student-led investigation of local green spaces. This module also provides students with the tools for further self-development of their species identification skills.
Optional modules
BIOL138
Spain Field Ecology
An introduction to the identification, taxonomy, and field study of major groups of organisms through an immersive field experience in Southern Spain. Students will develop essential skills in ecological sampling, species identification, and biodiversity assessment, allowing them to investigate ecological patterns and processes, and design and test hypotheses using real-world data collected in the field.
BIOL139
UK Field Ecology
An introduction to the identification, taxonomy, and field study of major groups of organisms through an immersive field experience within the UK. Students will develop essential skills in ecological sampling, species identification, and biodiversity assessment, allowing them to investigate ecological patterns and processes, and design and test hypotheses using real-world data collected in the field.
Year 2
You will develop a deeper understanding of animal behaviour, population and community ecology, population genetics, and ecosystem monitoring. You will also tailor your skills ready for the workplace by specialising through optional modules in aquatic systems or plant-environment interactions. During a field course, you will experience a wide range of ecosystems and put these concepts into context, developing your practical and transferable skills.
Core modules
BIOL204
Principles of Conservation Biology
20 credits
Successful conservation is dependent on a thorough grasp of fundamental biological principles. The conceptual aspects of population, molecular, & evolutionary ecology which are central to understanding the dynamics of, and future threats to, extant populations of organisms are reviewed.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL205
Animal Behaviour
20 credits
The module addresses why animals behave in a particular way and the methodology involved in studying them. This involves understanding the causation, development, function and evolution of behaviour. We will also discuss how this knowledge might be applied in practical situations.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL214
Ecology
20 credits
An understanding of basic concepts is needed to solve ecological problems. This module explores key concepts in ecology at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. The concepts are supported with examples taken from terrestrial and aquatic systems, and provide a useful insight into the search for general theories in ecology.
50% Examinations
30% Coursework
20% Tests
BIOL225
Professional Development in Biological Sciences 1
Skills in fieldwork or in the laboratory, as well as other transferable skills, e.g. in data handling, are an important aspect of any biology degree, and can contribute to the employability of graduates. The purpose of this module is to track the continued acquisition of a range of field, laboratory and transferable skills of relevance to each degree programme, and delivered in the other Level 5 modules.
BIOL234
Methods in Biology
Using core and programme specific activities this, module equips students to perform key laboratory and field techniques in the biological sciences using appropriate methods with regard for safety and risk assessment. The module embeds core skills such as data analysis and presentation, the use of statistical analysis software (e.g. R) for analysis and data presentation, searching and use of literature and bioinformatics.
BIOL236
Tropical Biodiversity Field Course
Residential field course where students will learn to collect field data in a safe, rigorous and meticulous manner in a tropical environment. Students will learn how to design appropriate field experiments, observational techniques, animal and plant identification and taxonomy, data recording and analysis, interpretation of data, and scientific communication
Optional modules
BIOL235
Plant Ecophysiology
This module looks at plant-environment interactions in specific habitats, including those affected by human activity. In all cases the challenges associated with the particular environment or biotic interactions are examined as well as the stress responses which may occur in the plants growing there. The features of plants which are well adapted to exploit the opportunities provided by particular habitats are explored.
MBIO220
Applied Aquatic Biology
20 credits
This module introduces the main effects that humans have on key freshwater and marine ecosystems throughout the globe, as well as strategies for the monitoring, conservation and sustainable use of these systems.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
Year 3
Many of our students carry out an optional placement year between their second and final years. You can undertake either two 3 month work placements or one 6 month placement, though many of our students opt to spent up to 12 months at their placement provider. You will be supported by a Placement Adviser – a member of academic staff from the school – who will act as your point of contact with the University. Examples of placement providers that our students have been based at in the past are highly diverse, ranging from Wildlife Trusts and rescue centres across the UK to international organisations such as the Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute and the White Shark Projects in South Africa.
Given the opportunities a placement year gives and the positive impact it brings to employability, we strongly encourage all students to give serious consideration to undertaking a placement year.
Core modules
APIE303
Biology:Placement
This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved company or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their biological knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.
Final year
Your personal research project forms a major part of your final year. Alongside this, you’ll build on advanced skills and concepts in biological disciplines as well as skills in applied conservation biology. You’ll select modules from a range of options including plant biotechnology, environmental policy, global change biology, behavioural ecology, marine vertebrate ecology and conservation and biodiversity, which will prepare you as a conservation biologist ready to enter the workplace.
Core modules
BIOL301
Plant Biotechnology
20 credits
Despite the increasing importance of 'food security' in a changing world, plant biotechnology has had much negative publicity. This module will give students an appreciation of the science and also the ethical and social issues that surround the subject and show why these techniques are so important to secure our food supply.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL308
Applied Conservation Biology
20 credits
Focuses on application of biological theory to successfully managing populations in wild and captive environments. The emphasis is on how theory feeds into and informs working practice. Along with advancing their theoretical knowledge, students develop knowledge of the major approaches, analytical tools, techniques and software that individuals working in the public and private conservation sectors apply in practice.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
Optional modules
BIOL310
Global Change Biology
20 credits
This module provides the student with an in-depth overview of the likely consequences of climate change for plant and animal species biology and distribution over the coming century. From this starting point we will show how an understanding of climate change biology is vital for conservation theory and practice over coming decades.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
BIOL323
Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
20 credits
Learn to use a range of modern animal behaviour analysis techniques in a variety of settings, such as labs, farms, zoos etc. Cover how you identify and follow individual animals to collect social data and construct a social network, how to analyse animal movement and how we can test and train animals to assess behavioural changes - and how to communicate, to a wider audience, the importance of these techniques.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
BIOL324
Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics
20 credits
Technological advances have generated a substantial increase in the amount and speed of data production. You will build expertise in skills used for data analysis, essential for working in the life sciences (big data sets, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, image analysis and genomics etc.) to address questions in biology, ecology, evolution and behaviour; and communicating these complex ideas to the wider public.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MBIO317
Behavioural Ecology
20 credits
This module examines the theory underpinning key conceptual models in behavioural ecology (e.g. optimal foraging, ideal free distribution, game theory). These models will be critically discussed in relation to empirical studies.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
MBIO339
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
20 credits
Marine vertebrates are vulnerable to depletion through over fishing, industrial development, pollution and habitat degradation. This module will examine the ecology of these animals in their natural environments and explore methods for surveying, monitoring and managing populations and species. There is a strong emphasis on current research and hot topics with numerous case studies used throughout the module.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
Enhance your competitiveness in a global jobs market with our .
Accreditation provides industry with an assurance of the level of employability skills and subject relevant bioscience skills provided by a programme*
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Fieldwork opportunities
As a part of our BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation course, you will have the opportunity to participate in field trips both locally and abroad.
Joining us in September 2026? The University will now cover the cost of your international travel (flight to and travel within the country) and accommodation for your second-year field trip ensuring you can take part in this valuable learning experience without any financial worries. This trip is an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, create memories with your classmates, and enhance your studies.
La Selva Research Station, Costa Rica
Zahara de los Atunes, Spain
Students hiking through the rainforest in Costa Rica
Seeing it for yourself really makes you understand some of the concepts better, and it also gives some hands-on lab experience working with animals, asking questions and figuring out how to design experiments. These things are particularly applicable to research or lab-based careers, but those kind of problem-solving skills are really important for any kind of career.
Enhance your understanding of animal behaviour with practical, hands-on experience.
Dr Sarah Lane
Lecturer in Behaviour and Evolution
Facilities designed for real-world experience
Access a wide range of specialist facilities and well-equipped laboratories from day one, supporting your learning and research while building confidence with the latest technologies and techniques used in the field.
The Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates laboratory is home to a variety of species and supports practical classes and research projects.
°µÍø½âÃÜ Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) provides high-resolution imaging for advanced biological study.
Our 5G interactive microscope laboratory is the the first of its kind in Europe and allows you to capture, annotate and embed images directly into assignments.
LABplus – a resource centre designed to support practical work, offering equipment, sample materials and learning aids to reinforce your lab skills.- Ecoloans library – offering access to equipment such as bat detectors, camera traps, sensors, binoculars, nets, GoPros and field guides.
- Controlled environment chambers – enabling precise experimental work in varying environmental conditions.
Student placement insight
Victoria Coulton used her placement year to make a difference to contrasting conservation projects – working for the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece and conducting experiments of flora and fauna in the Oudeberg Nature Reserve in South Africa.
“I would definitely recommend doing the placement year option because you have fifteen months, the support of the University and you can get as much experience in as many different places as you can.â€
The Ocean Giants Programme
Preparing the next generation of marine researchers and ocean guardians for the challenges ahead, whilst supporting NGOs working to protect threatened marine megafauna.
The °µÍø½âÃÜ has joined forces with the Ocean Giants Trust to create a series of exciting new opportunities for its student participants.
Students will be able to complement their studies with work for charities in locations such as Mexico, Mozambique, the Philippines and Tanzania.
Learn from experts
You will learn from expert, accessible and supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field.
Our staff and postgraduate students are involved in a wide range of relevant research.
We are closely linked with the following research groups:
Dr James Buckley
Lecturer in Ecology
Dr Robert Puschendorf
Associate Professor in Conservation Biology
Dr Mick Hanley
Associate Professor in Plant-Animal Interactions
Keep up to date
Life in °µÍø½âÃÜ
°µÍø½âÃÜ's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what °µÍø½âÃÜ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Our students gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment across a wide range of sectors. With a hands-on approach to teaching and learning, the course equips you with topical expertise and practical experience applicable to careers in areas such as environmental law, journalism and media, ecotourism and environmental education.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to field-based activities or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at °µÍø½âÃÜ, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
We would usually expect GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C / 4, or equivalent.
A levels
104 points. To include Biology at grade C and preferably a second relevant subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Marine Science, Psychology). General Studies accepted.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma
DDM in Science. If you hold a BTEC qualification, it is vital that you provide admissions@plymouth.ac.uk with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Science-based diplomas, 33 credits in science-based units at merit including a minimum of 12 credits in biology units and 21 credits in a second science subject.
T level
Merit in Science. Refer to institution.
International Baccalaureate
26 points overall to include Higher Level Biology and a second relevant Science subject. English and Maths can be considered within.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Please note that we do interview some applicants for this programme, at the Admissions Tutor's discretion.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
C184
C184
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
°µÍø½âÃÜ
°µÍø½âÃÜ
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation Year
Looking for an alternative route into biology degrees? This foundation year, taught by University academics, builds your knowledge, confidence and study skills – preparing you to succeed and progress onto any biology degree.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
C184
C184
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
°µÍø½âÃÜ
°µÍø½âÃÜ
Other routes to this course
The
°µÍø½âÃÜ International College (UPIC)
offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to °µÍø½âÃÜ degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the °µÍø½âÃÜ.
.jpg)
The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.
*This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.