BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation with a Year Abroad

Key Details

Attendance: Full Time
Award: Degree of Bachelor of Science
UCAS Course Code: C18A
Entry Requirements: AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
Course Length: 4 years
Course Start Date: September 2023

Other Start Dates

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Course Overview

Get ready to deep-dive into the key concepts of ecology and discover how organisms behave, evolve and interact with their physical and biological environments – here in the UK and abroad.

This course is for you if you have a scientist’s mind combined with a love of the natural world, animals, plants and ecosystems, and have the desire to uncover the natural secrets of another country as part of your degree.

You’ll be fascinated by life science and how it underpins our understanding of the natural world and conservation. You might aspire to work in conservation, research, agriculture, or even conservation communication. Or you might not yet know which career path you want to take and be excited about exploring the wide range of careers open to ecologists and conservationists.

About

This four-year course aims to give you an understanding of how life on this planet works and changes, and how organisms, plants and animal species react with one another within the ecosystems around us. You will explore topics ranging from the molecular genetics of populations, plant science and animal behaviour, to environmental management, biodiversity and conservation – and explore some of these within a socio-economic and political context.

You could be discussing the theories behind evolution or behaviour in a seminar one day, and experiencing the subject first-hand in the laboratory the next. Here in the lab, you’ll develop techniques to explore ecology, from microbes and parasites to model organisms.

You’ll get out into the natural environment too – gaining confidence in practical field skills, survey techniques and field projects. You can choose to join one of our residential field trips to Europe or go further afield in a sub-tropical climate (currently Kenya, eSwatini or Peru) to test your skills in a totally different environment.

Your third year will see you travel again, to Australasia, North America or Europe, where you will live and study, immersed in a new culture with its intriguing ecological differences. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your thinking, make valuable connections with partner universities and see the world. You will then return to UEA to complete the final year of your degree.

In your final year, you’ll take your learning to the next level by developing your own unique, independent research, working with one of our world-leading team of researchers to understand an ecological system using the latest scientific techniques.

Placement Year and Study Abroad

On this course, you’ll enhance your studies by spending your third year studying at a university in Australasia, North America or Europe. You will then return to UEA to complete the final year of your degree. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a new culture, see new ecological problems and solutions first hand and make connections with partner universities across the world.

For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB including Biology/Human Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Science

BTEC

DDD in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Animal Management with Science, or Countryside Management. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services or Business Administration

Scottish Highers

AAAAA including Biology/Human Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

Scottish Advanced Highers

BBC including Biology/Human Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

Irish Leaving Certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3, including Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology

International Baccalaureate

33 points with HL 5 in Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

GCSE

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

Additional Information or Requirements

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA, offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the following preparation programme:

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

View our information for Tuition Fees.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

Course Related Costs

You’ll normally be expected pay 50% towards the cost of any optional field trips selected from the range of residential field courses within the Schools of Biological Science or Environmental Sciences. All ecology students are expected to have suitable field clothes including walking boots and waterproofs.

You are eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.

There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.

View our information about Additional Course Fees.

How to Apply

Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.

UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.

Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.

Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

How to apply through UCAS

Employability

After the Course

You’ll graduate as a skilled ecologist ready to take advantage of East Anglia’s wealth of varied habitats, or range further afield. Either way, you’ll be able to use what you have learned at UEA to make a real difference.

You could go on to a career in many different areas – from ecological research, agriculture and horticulture to environmental management, consultancy and conservation. You might also consider education or science communication and engagement. Many of our students progress to postgraduate study.

Careers

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

Ecological research
Agriculture and horticulture
Environmental management and conservation
Science communication and engagement
Education