What will I learn?
You will gain a deep understanding of ecological systems, conservation science and sustainability. Topics such as ecosystem services, species monitoring and biodiversity management are paired with practical skills like species and habitat identification, mapping, ecological data analysis, and project management planning.
Practical learning to ensure you graduate job‑ready:
• Conduct wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, develop habitat management plans
• Participate in fieldwork on campus or at externally managed conservation sites
• Contribute to live research projects, such as monitoring butterfly populations, avian species richness and diversity monitoring, dormouse and other small mammal monitoring, habitat surveying and assessing and aspects of pollution monitoring and impacts.
Our strong links with landowners mean you will enjoy access to a wide range of sites as well as the University Centre Sparsholt’s own excellent resources.
Work-related learning is key, so you will also gain practical experience and contacts with a variety of organisations through visits, guest speakers and work placements.
How will I be assessed?
Our assessments mirror the challenges you will face in your career, combining academic depth with practical application:
- Field‑based assignments allow you to showcase your skills to employers
- A range of presentation types and written assignments that develop key graduate skills such as communication expertise.
Focused on your future
This course will enable you to open doors to diverse career paths in this rapidly growing sector such as Conservation Officer or Ranger or Ecological Consultant for planning and development. Ecology is also increasingly integrated into sectors such as renewable energy, urban planning and sustainable agriculture, expanding opportunities for ecologists in non‑traditional roles. This degree will also upskill you in a range of transferable graduate skills such as higher‑level communication, data literacy and project management.
How our graduates are shaping the future:
- Working with NGOs (Non‑Government Organisations) like the RSPB and local Wildlife Trusts to protect endangered species.
- Joining governmental bodies like Natural England, advising on sustainable land use, or working with a range of public bodies and local authorities with activities such as rangering, education, and community engagement.
- Self‑employed or employed within ecological consultancies assessing the impact of development on ecosystems Continuing in education, for example with our BSc (Hons) Top‑up programme.
Modules Covered
Additional Costs
For additional course costs click here
Entry Requirements
A Level Two A Level passes, including one at grade C or above one of which should be in a science
BTEC Ext. Diploma MMP in a relevant subject
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Ext. Diploma (1080) MMP in a relevant subject
BTEC National Diploma MM in a relevant subject
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720) MM in a relevant subject
T Levels Pass in a relevant subject
Access to HE A satisfactory pass in a relevant Access course with 74 tariff points, with 24 credits at merit or above including 12 credits in science-based units
International Baccalaureate Appropriate IB Certificates considered
Plus GCSEs in maths and English at grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English.