TEF Gold 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.
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation

115 future students discovered this course in the last week

About Details Experience Careers Fees and funding Apply Register for open day

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 Plymouth 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.
Belver tor, Dartmoor
 
 
 
 
 

This course is for you if...

you want to explore biodiversity through fieldwork in varied natural habitats – from Devon and Cornwall to overseas destinations
Bird next to two trees
you're keen to apply science in the real world, from small-group tutorials to placements with local organisations
Magnifying glass looking at earth
you're looking to build practical lab skills using cutting-edge facilities like glasshouses and microscopy units 
Microscope
you’re aiming for a career in ecology, conservation or environmental monitoring, supported by expert staff and hands-on training
Hand holding trees

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.
Ellie Hawcutt observing a bird nesting box in a tree

Core modules

BIOL119Z
Introduction to Biology 20 credits

This module is designed to give you some fundamental basic skills and information to help you start to become an independent biologist. The module will cover data and information gathering, analysis, evaluation and presentation. Much of the module will be based around field/lab activities providing you with data for analysis and presentation.

75% Coursework

25% Practicals

BIOL123Z
Field Biology 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to the natural history, taxonomy, identification and sampling methods for the major groups of organisms with opportunities to explore and test hypotheses based on these concepts in the field.

40% Coursework

40% Tests

20% Practicals

BIOL129Z
Professional Development in Biological Sciences 1 0 credits

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.

BIOL131Z
Cells: The Building Blocks of Life 20 credits

The cell is the basic building block of life. This module introduces you to the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the cell biology that allow different cells to do different things including some highly specialised cells of multicellular organisms. The module will then focus on the molecular basis that underlies cell function introducing you to the metabolic pathways and molecules that allow cells to work.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

BIOL132Z
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

BIOL133Z
Principles of Physiology 20 credits

This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles of comparative physiology, and the structure and function of the body systems of plants and fungi as well as animals. The module also introduces the concept of environmental physiology, how organisms respond to their environment.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MBIO161Z
Evolution and Behaviour 20 credits

Covers the principles underpinning evolution with a special focus on animal behaviour as adaptive traits. Module covers concepts of the genetic basis of inheritance, population genetics, selection, adaptation, function, fitness and speciation. We will use key examples and practical classes to illustrate key ideas and consider the development of some of the ideas in a historical context.

50% Examinations

50% Tests

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.
Careers and employability case study - Ryan McClory, BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology, Year 3

Core modules

BIOL204Z
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

BIOL205Z
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

BIOL214Z
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% Coursework

50% Examinations

BIOL219Z
Ecology Field Course 20 credits

A field course to familiarise students with the ecology, biogeography and history of resource management of a range of ecosystems. Students investigate and characterise the ecological communities encountered and explore the consequences of different types of management hands on.

100% Coursework

BIOL225Z
Professional Development in Biological Sciences 2 0 credits

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.

BIOL234Z
Methods in Biology 20 credits

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.

70% Coursework

30% Tests

Optional modules

BIOL235Z
Plant Ecophysiology 20 credits

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.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MBIO220Z
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

You’ll be encouraged to undertake an optional placement year in order to gain experience of the professional world of conservation biology. Successful completion leads to the Certificate of Professional or Work Experience.
William Bayfield-Farrell setting up a light trap to catch insects

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.
Conservation biology students working on the estuary

Core modules

BIOL308Z
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

PROJ302Z
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

BIOL301Z
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

BIOL310Z
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.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

BIOL323Z
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

BIOL324Z
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

MBIO317Z
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.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MBIO339Z
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.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

 
 
 
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*
Royal Society of Biology

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.
 
 
Students listening to their tutor in the jungle on BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology fieldtrip to Costa Rica
La Selva Research Station, Costa Rica
Students in Zahara, Cadiz, Spain
Zahara de los Atunes, Spain
conversation biology students hiking through the rainforest in Costa Rica
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.

Sarah LaneDr 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.
Skardon Garden plants
EDS image for PEMC
Europe’s first 5G interactive microscope labs enable students to get up close with science
Skardon Garden houses the University’s glasshouse facilities, where plants are grown for laboratory practicals and undergraduate research studies.
The Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates laboratory is home to a variety of species and supports practical classes and research projects.
Plymouth 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.”
Victoria Coulton looking at the scenery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 University of Plymouth 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.
Pilot whale pod - image courtesy of Getty Images
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.
Dr James Buckley Lecturer in Ecology


Lecturer in Ecology

Dr Robert Puschendorf Associate Professor in Conservation Biology


Associate Professor in Conservation Biology

Dr Mick Hanley Associate Professor in Plant-Animal Interactions


Associate Professor in Plant-Animal Interactions

Show all
 
 
 
 
Meet our technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories, workshops, and the field.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Keep up to date 

i  Instagram |
f  Facebook |
Zoology students using our research vessels to collect samples from the marine environment which are then taken back to the Marine Station to be analysed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth'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

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
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.
  • ]

    90% of our ecology and conservation graduates are in work or further study

*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 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year  completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
Optional placement year  completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year  completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
completed in the UK completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 

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 .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 
TOTUS student scholarship

With thanks to TOTUS Engineering, we are able to provide one scholarship a year to a student who is intending to study one of our undergraduate Biological Science, Marine Biology or Ocean Science degrees and fulfils at least one of the required criteria.
The recipient will receive £500 per year for the three years of their undergraduate course (excluding placement year) to help with their studies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility 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 B and a second relevant subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Marine Science, Psychology).

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma
DDM to DDD in Science. Note that this is subject to the exact modules you have studied, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk stating explicitly the full list of modules within your qualification.

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.

International Baccalaureate
28-32 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
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth

    • 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
     
     

    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.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    C184
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth 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 University of Plymouth.
     
    Book your place
    Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
     
     
     
    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.