BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at the University of Suffolk
BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science (with Foundation Year) at University of Suffolk. You then progress to specialised study in wildlife, ecology and conservation. The course integrates core theory, research methods, applied fieldwork, independent project work and professional skills development, preparing you for careers…
About this course
Gain essential study skills in the sciences, essential principles of biology, and ecology, to progress on to our BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Suffolk. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, 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)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 10,005. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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.
Foundation 4 modules
- Scientific Study Skills
Module details
This module covers key scientific study skills including essay writing, academic referencing, and academic writing style.
- Principles of Biology
Module details
An essential introduction to the field of biology, designed to equip you with the basic knowledge of biological concepts. This module will cover a broad range of topics from cellular biology to ecosystems, with a focus on the understanding the basic principles that govern life on Earth. You will explore the structure and function of living organisms, biological systems, and the key process that support life such as metabolism, genetics and evolution.
- Mathematics and Computing for Science
Module details
Mathematics is the language of science. The study of any science at undergraduate level requires an appropriate level of mathematical understanding and practical competence. The mastery of mathematics requires a supportive learning environment where key concepts are demystified and applied in a logical and orderly fashion. Aimed at those without an A-Level in Mathematics and/or 'return to learning' who might be feeling apprehensive about doing maths, this module aims to develop your skills and i
- Practical Zoology
Module details
This module provides an essential background to whole organism zoology and ecology. To understand why animals look and behave the way they do, requires a grasp of the key biological concepts tackled in this module; speciation, natural selection, speciation, phylogeny and adaptation. These concepts also help us explain the patterns we see in biodiversity and inform our efforts to conserve wildlife and the natural environment. This grounding in zoology gives you the tools to understand the wildlif
Year 1 5 modules
- Scientific Skills
Module details
This module will provide you with the core skills required to thrive on your degree programme; literature searching, experimental design, scientific methods, data analysis and effective communication of research findings. Essential for subsequent modules on the course.
- Cell Biology and Genetics
Module details
From the inner workings of cells to DNA that drives evolution, this module introduces you to the building blocks of life and the genetic code that connects all living organisms. You'll explore how cells function, communicate, and reproduce, and how genetics helps us make sense of biodiversity, inheritance, and adaptation. Through hands-on lab work, you'll learn key techniques in cell biology and molecular genetics, using DNA to identify species, track evolutionary relationships, monitor pop
- Research Skills for Field Biologists
Module details
A field-based module taught predominantly on a one-week residential field course in the Highlands of Scotland at the start of the academic year. We will introduce the key measures used in assessing wildlife populations, visit a range of habitats, and learn how to track and identify common and protected British wildlife species. Those who are not able to attend the residential fieldwork will cover the material through online study and self-directed fieldwork activities. Those choosing to attend m
- Ecology and the Environment
Module details
Are you ready to explore the complex interactions within natural ecosystems and examine the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today? This module will delve into fundamental ecological theories, explore natural processes in ecosystems, and critically assess the impact of human activities on the planet. Fieldwork includes visits to RSPB reserves and practical methods in reptile and amphibian surveys. Strong emphasis is placed on developing survey and analytical skills crucial for
- Diversity of Life
Module details
Follow the evolution of life from biomolecules and the first basic cells through to complex organisms such as mammals, birds and modern plants. You will appreciate the process of evolution through natural selection, which underpins the life sciences, and learn how to classify organisms.
Year 2 6 modules
- Animal Behaviour and Zoological Management
Module details
Taught in partnership with Colchester Zoo, this module provides the knowledge and research skills needed to study animal behaviour in both wild and captive environments. During the module, you will study the science of behavioural biology and learn how behavioural analysis can inform the husbandry and management of captive zoo animals.
- Vertebrate Biology
Module details
Dive into the fascinating world of vertebrates! This exciting module explores the anatomy, function, and evolution of the major vertebrate groups, revealing how their incredible adaptations have shaped their survival and behaviour. Get hands-on with real specimens - learn to identify species from bones, teeth, and hair - and gain practical skills essential for careers in zoology, veterinary science, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, conservation, and natural history museum curation.
- Conservation Biology
Module details
The core principles of theoretical conservation biology are essential for the development of strategies for managing and conserving biodiversity. We will give you this critical grounding through a series of entertaining seminars, games and discussions, considering the economic, social and political issues that impact conservation. You will come out of this module able to back up your ideas and strategies for practical conservation with sound theoretical knowledge.
- Wildlife SurveyingOptional
Module details
We train you in cutting-edge methods used to measure wildlife populations. You will learn from leading spatial ecologists to design and implement surveys, and to analyse results with scientific rigor. We use camera trapping, direct observation and audio to survey everything from bats to birds to large mammals, participating to wildlife monitoring in Suffolk and beyond. These skills are often key to students' research projects in the third year, and the specialist modules in advanced stages of th
- Habitat Surveying and GIS MappingOptional
Module details
Mapping and spatial analysis skills are some of the most-cited requirements for jobs in the environmental sector. You will learn internationally transferable GIS skills on QGIS - a widely used open-source GIS mapping program - using local habitats and the British habitat classifications as a model. You will learn how to produce professionally finished and accurately annotated maps to report spatial changes in biodiversity. We use the 'UK Habitats' classification system, used by wildlife NGOs and
- Plant BiologyOptional
Module details
Plants are key to solving today's global challenges, from food security to climate change. This lab-focused module explores the essential roles plants play in sustaining life and shaping a more sustainable future. You'll investigate plant biology through hands-on experiments and fieldwork, covering topics like biodiversity, metabolism, genetics, and morphology. Learn how plants drive ecosystems, provide energy, and offer innovative solutions through biotechnology and carbon capture. This module
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 course begins with essential study skills and foundations in biology and ecology, preparing you for advanced wildlife and conservation science. You'll usually start with core modules in anatomy, exercise physiology, and introduction to sport psychology, alongside practical coaching skills. In year two, a course like this typically progresses to biomechanics, physiology of training, and research methods in sport science. From year three onwards, you'll move into specialist options such as strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching, and PE teaching routes, combined with applied placements and an independent dissertation project. Throughout, you'll develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competency in the field.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you are drawn to understanding how organisms interact with their environment and are curious about ecosystems and species. You'll thrive if you combine practical fieldwork with laboratory analysis, and if you can sustain focus through reading, report-writing and problem-solving. The foundation year is particularly valuable if you want to deepen your science foundations before specialising; many entrants hold A-levels or equivalent, though the programme is designed to support diverse entry points. You'll find the work absorbing if environmental challenges matter to you and you want to develop expertise that informs real conservation decisions.
Careers & job market
Graduates from Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally earn £22,000–£30,000 in their first 15 months of work. After five years, earnings typically reach £23,375–£33,000. Nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing their degree, with 62% in highly skilled roles or continued study. Your degree is recognised across the UK as a Bachelor's qualification from an accredited degree-awarding body, strengthening your credentials with employers in conservation, environmental consultancy, research, and related fields.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 4 years at the University of Suffolk, a university founded in 2007. Teaching is delivered in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so degrees are nationally recognised. The course carries Bronze status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 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.
Professional placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
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 | 80% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 15% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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 (code C183). 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Suffolk →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 Sport & Exercise Science 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 | £25,500 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 10005 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £17,000 – £27,500 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £28,000 | £21,500 – £35,500 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 10,005. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 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 Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science 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: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 10,005. Cohort 2021-22. 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 Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 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 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% 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: 30; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science 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 Sport & Exercise Science 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
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,500. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 84.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Suffolk
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 Suffolk
1,566 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 Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Suffolk from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,440 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 Suffolk’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 Suffolk and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Suffolk
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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