BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation at University of Plymouth. You will engage with both the science underpinning ecology and the practical challenges of conservation in a rapidly changing world.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation - Why should we conserve biodiversity? How can we manage and restore habitats? From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Ecology and environmental biology graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 8 modules
- Ecology and the Diversity of LifeCore20 credits
Module details
Discover the principles guiding ecological systems and the immense diversity of life on Earth. You'll investigate ecological patterns, evolutionary relationships and the processes that sustain natural communities. By exploring how biodiversity is studied and protected, you'll gain a clear understanding of ecology's central role in conservation and sustainable management.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Introduction to Conservation ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
Begin your conservation journey with hands-on field experiences that introduce species identification, ecosystem analysis and modern data-collection tools. You'll develop skills in teamwork, communication and statistical analysis while exploring how conservation science applies to both marine and terrestrial environments.
Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Tests
- Exploring Nature ConservationCore20 credits
Module details
Trace the evolution of conservation thinking from early protectionist philosophies to modern approaches that recognise the deep connections between people and nature. Through case studies and critical evaluation, you'll explore interventions, assess their effectiveness and develop a broad interdisciplinary understanding of current conservation challenges.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals
- Spatial Ecology and GISCore20 credits
Module details
Study how spatial data and mapping tools reveal patterns in nature. Using GIS and real case studies, you'll explore species distribution, landscape change and ecological relationships. By learning key spatial-analysis techniques, you'll gain valuable skills applicable across conservation, ecology and environmental management.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Natural History and Field SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
Explore local biodiversity through hands-on study of plants, fungi, invertebrates, birds and mammals. You'll learn essential survey methods, practise species identification and conduct a student-led investigation in local green spaces. This module builds the practical field skills you need to grow confidently as a naturalist and developing conservation scientist.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Tests
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 1Core
Module details
Receive regular support from your Personal Tutor and develop skills that support your success beyond academic study. You'll take part in tutorials, careers sessions and stage meetings, exploring personal development, skill tracking, goal setting and professional planning. This module helps you understand how support, reflection, and structured guidance combine to enhance your progress, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
- Spain Field EcologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Experience ecological research first-hand during a residential field course in southern Spain. You'll develop skills in species identification, sampling design, taxonomy and biodiversity assessment, working directly with real ecological data. By designing and testing hypotheses, you'll gain the confidence and practical expertise needed for future field-based scientific work.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests
- UK Field EcologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Take part in an immersive UK based field course that builds your confidence in real ecological research. You'll learn to identify major organism groups, practise core sampling and survey techniques, and work with biodiversity data collected first-hand. Through guided fieldwork and student-led exploration, you'll develop ecological and scientific skills grounded in local environments.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests
Year 2 8 modules
- Principles of Conservation BiologyCore20 credits
Module details
Explore the biological principles essential for effective conservation. You'll examine population ecology and conservation genetics to understand extinction risk and persistence of species and study their relevance to conservation management. This module strengthens your ability to apply core ecological concepts to real world conservation challenges and prepares you for more advanced conservation study.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Animal BehaviourCore20 credits
Module details
Discover why animals behave the way they do by exploring the causes, development, function and evolution of behaviour. You'll learn scientific methods for studying behaviour and consider how behavioural knowledge supports practical applications, from welfare improvements to conservation. This module equips you with strong analytical and observational skills in behavioural science.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- EcologyCore20 credits
Module details
Build a strong understanding of ecological principles at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. You'll explore how ecological processes operate and species interact in both aquatic and terrestrial systems, and examine how scientists search for general theories in ecology. This module provides a solid conceptual framework for advanced ecological analysis and problem-solving.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Methods in BiologyCore20 credits
Module details
Develop essential laboratory and field skills used across the biological sciences. You'll learn safe and effective techniques for data collection, experiment design and analysis using tools such as statistical software and bioinformatics. This module builds your competence and confidence in practical biology, preparing you for more advanced research and technical work.
Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Tests
- Tropical Biodiversity Field CourseCore20 credits
Module details
Experience tropical biology first-hand through a residential field course focused on biodiversity, sampling techniques and species identification. You'll design field studies, collect and analyse data, and practise scientific communication. Immersion in tropical ecosystems deepens your understanding of ecological processes and the complexity of biodiversity in global hotspots.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 2Core
Module details
Deepen your engagement with coordinated support and skill-tracking during Stage 2. This module helps you to strengthen your personal and professional development, through pastoral support and careers sessions, preparing you for the increased independence and complexity of upper-level study. It ensures continued academic progression and confidence.
- Plant EcophysiologyOptional
Module details
Investigate how plants interact with their environments across a range of natural and human-altered habitats. You'll examine stress responses, adaptation strategies and the traits that allow species to succeed under specific conditions. Through real examples, you'll develop a clear understanding of how plants cope with environmental pressures and ecological relationships.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Managing Human Impacts in the Marine EnvironmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore how human activities, from fisheries to energy extraction, affect marine ecosystems. You'll study pollution, biodiversity loss and management strategies used to mitigate impacts. Through case studies and evaluation of conservation tools, this module builds your ability to assess and manage human pressures on marine environments.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Placement Year 1 modules
- Biology: PlacementCore
Module details
Undertake at least 24 weeks of hands-on professional training with an approved host organisation. During your placement, you'll apply biological knowledge in real work settings, develop technical and transferable skills, and gain insight into how biological science operates across sectors. This experience helps bridge academic learning with future career ambitions.
Final Year 5 modules
- SoBMS ProjectCore40 credits
Module details
Undertake an independent research project from concept to completion. You'll develop a research question, design and execute your study, analyse results and communicate your findings. This module strengthens your ability to work independently, solve problems and reflect on your academic and professional development.
Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Practicals
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 4Core
Module details
Enhance your professional and academic development in the final stage of your degree. This module incorporates tutorials, stage meetings and careers sessions, ensuring that you graduate with a strong, well-rounded skill profile aligned to your career goals.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Science, Policy and PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
Engage with real conservation case studies from around the world and learn what drives both biodiversity loss and successful restoration. You'll explore stakeholder interests, ethics, policy influences and community-led approaches to conservation. The module equips you to understand how evidence, policy and on-the-ground action combine to shape modern conservation practice.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Plant BiotechnologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the science behind plant biotechnology and its importance to global food security. You'll learn how genetic and molecular techniques are used to improve crops, and critically examine the ethical, social and environmental debates surrounding biotechnology. This module develops your understanding of both the science and the broader implications of modern plant innovation.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Global Change BiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Investigate how climate change is reshaping plant and animal biology and distributions. You'll explore current predictions for ecological change over the coming century and examine how this knowledge informs conservation action. By connecting climate science with ecological practice, the module prepares you to engage with one of the most urgent challenges facing conservation biologists.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree addresses core questions: why should we conserve biodiversity, and how can we manage and restore habitats? You'll usually start with foundations in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical lab technique and data skills. Year 2 typically moves to molecular biology, physiology, and research methods, allowing you to conduct your own lab project. In Year 3, you specialise in ecology and conservation, study current research topics in bioscience, and complete an extended field or lab investigation. A course like this normally progresses from molecular understanding to organism-level ecology, building toward independent research in your chosen specialist area.
Who it's for
This course is for those drawn to understanding how organisms interact with their environments and who want to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts. You should be analytical, comfortable with both quantitative data and critical thinking, yet engaged with the real world. The programme suits people who thrive on fieldwork and practical problem-solving, and who feel energised rather than overwhelmed by environmental complexity. If you're curious about species, ecosystems and habitat management, and you want to develop expertise that translates into action, this degree offers the foundation and flexibility to shape your own direction within ecology.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those in work, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Starting salaries for graduates range from £23,000 to £29,000; after five years, salaries typically span £25,075 to £35,400. These figures reflect national outcomes and vary depending on sector, role and location. Conservation roles, environmental consulting, ecological surveying and research positions are common paths; others pursue postgraduate study to specialise further. Your degree is recognised across the UK, opening doors across public bodies, NGOs, private environmental consultancies and academic institutions.
University & format
You'll study full-time over 3 years at the University of Plymouth Campus, taught in English. The University of Plymouth is a UK degree-awarding body, and this degree is nationally recognised. The course is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership. The University holds a Gold award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| an Access course | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Plymouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,000 | £20,000 – £28,000 | 55 |
| 3 years after | £20,500 | £15,500 – £23,500 | 120 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £21,500 – £30,500 | 135 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 771 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Head of School, Biological Sciences - Strategic Leadership & GrowthUNIVERSITY OF READINGEducation-Focused Assistant Professor, Biological SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambicBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambic Therapeutics, IncCrop Geneticist The James Hutton Institute, Department of Cell & Molecular SciencesEuropean Plant Science OrganisationRegional Lead, Life Sciences FM, UK, Ireland & NordicsJLLIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.9 out of 10: NSS 87.6% · in work or study 85% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Plymouth; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Plymouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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