STUDY

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science (with Foundation Year)

Plant cell under microscope
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C183
Start date: September 2023
Duration: Four years full time.
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Please call our Clearing Hotline on 01473 338352 to discuss your qualifications and suitability for 2023 entry.
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C183
Start date: September 2023
Duration: Four years full time.
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Please call our Clearing Hotline on 01473 338352 to discuss your qualifications and suitability for 2023 entry.
Course information table
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C183
Start date: September 2024
Duration: Four years full time.
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)
Course information table
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C183
Start date: September 2024
Course information table
Duration: Four years full time.
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)

Overview

The natural world is as fragile as it is fascinating. If you share our passion for understanding and conserving nature and wildlife, this course is ideal for you, and opens the door to many established and emerging careers.

The Foundation Year allows students with less science-oriented backgrounds a pathway into the BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science degree. Students study essential study skills in the sciences, essential principles of biology, and ecology. Additionally, students receive practical training in field research skills, taking advantage of the biodiverse reserves and natural environments around Suffolk.

This course will give you the opportunity to study zoology, ecology, environmental and conservation science, in one of the UK’s renowned wildlife hotspots. You will learn specialist skills such as wildlife surveying, GIS mapping, primatology and ornithology, with opportunities to travel to the Scottish Highlands, South Africa and the Peruvian Amazon.

Unlike similar existing degrees, this is a multidisciplinary course that will also provide you with a firm foundation in modern biology and laboratory research techniques to equip you with the skills required to pursue careers in emerging new areas.

This course enables you to share your passion for understanding and conserving nature and wildlife and opens the door to many established and emerging careers. We draw on a range of related disciplines to bring the subject to life, covering aspects of animal and plant ecology, marine and freshwater biology, animal behaviour, and environmental and conservation science.

While at the University of Suffolk you will benefit from close working relationships with a highly qualified and research active international teaching team and interact with numerous wildlife and conservation organisations, including Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Colchester Zoo, the RSPB, the Environment Agency, and the Field Studies Council (FSC).

The course aligns with the criteria for future accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and the Royal Society of Biology and addresses the current knowledge and skills shortages within the sector, as identified by CIEEM and the Natural Environment Research Council.

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

The Complete University Guide 2024

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

The Complete University Guide 2023

11th

in the UK for social inclusion

The Good University Guide 2023

Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend' — more information can be found on Why Suffolk?  You can also watch our Block and Blend video.   

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Professional Placement 

You can opt to include a professional placement year during your course to gain professional experience and relevant practical skills to enhance your prospects of securing graduate employment. This would mean your course length would change from three years full-time to four years full-time.

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Timetable for students commencing Sept 2023
close-up of some plants in beakers

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

To understand the physiology and behaviour of life on earth, it is essential to have an understanding of how living organisms function at the cellular level. We will examine the structure and function of the subcellular components of microbial, plant and animal cells, and explore the genetic principles that are central to our understanding of inheritance, organismal diversity and evolution.

This module will provide students with the core skills required to carry out basic scientific procedures and communicate their research in an appropriate scientific format. The module is based on a series of practical sessions and is designed to develop the skills required for subsequent advanced modules on the course.

This module is designed to provide an understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world’s ecosystems. The module will examine the human impact on natural habitats, aquatic and terrestrial life and explore how to balance societies needs with the sustainability of the environment.

This module follows chronologically the development from biomolecules and the first basic cells through to the more complex organisms such as hominids and modern plants. Students will gain an appreciation of the process of evolution through natural selection which will furnish them with knowledge to underpin much of their further studies.

In this module, we will examine what controls the distribution and abundance of organisms, how energy is transferred through ecosystems and explore how the principles of ecology underpin effective conservation practice. The module will include field trips to a diverse range of habitats and introduce key surveying and ecological assessment skills.

This predominantly field-based module will introduce some of the common techniques used in wildlife research and provide experience of the skills required to carry out ecological surveys. We will visit a diverse range of local habitats, learn how to track and identify common and protected British wildlife species, and carry out a range of biodiversity and ecology assessments.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Requisite module.

Mandatory module. 

Mandatory module. 

Optional module. 

Optional module. 

Optional module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module. 

Requisite module.

Mandatory module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Course Modules 2024

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend' — more information can be found on Why Suffolk?  You can also watch our Block and Blend video.   

Professional Placement 

You can opt to include a professional placement year during your course to gain professional experience and relevant practical skills to enhance your prospects of securing graduate employment. This would mean your course length would change from three years full-time to four years full-time.

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Timetable for students commencing Sept 2023
A bee sitting on some flowers

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

To understand the physiology and behaviour of life on earth, it is essential to have an understanding of how living organisms function at the cellular level. We will examine the structure and function of the subcellular components of microbial, plant and animal cells, and explore the genetic principles that are central to our understanding of inheritance, organismal diversity and evolution.

This module will provide students with the core skills required to carry out basic scientific procedures and communicate their research in an appropriate scientific format. The module is based on a series of practical sessions and is designed to develop the skills required for subsequent advanced modules on the course.

This module is designed to provide an understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world’s ecosystems. The module will examine the human impact on natural habitats, aquatic and terrestrial life and explore how to balance societies needs with the sustainability of the environment.

This module follows chronologically the development from biomolecules and the first basic cells through to the more complex organisms such as hominids and modern plants. Students will gain an appreciation of the process of evolution through natural selection which will furnish them with knowledge to underpin much of their further studies.

In this module, we will examine what controls the distribution and abundance of organisms, how energy is transferred through ecosystems and explore how the principles of ecology underpin effective conservation practice. The module will include field trips to a diverse range of habitats and introduce key surveying and ecological assessment skills.

This predominantly field-based module will introduce some of the common techniques used in wildlife research and provide experience of the skills required to carry out ecological surveys. We will visit a diverse range of local habitats, learn how to track and identify common and protected British wildlife species, and carry out a range of biodiversity and ecology assessments.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module.

Requisite module.

Mandatory module. 

Mandatory module. 

Optional module. 

Optional module. 

Optional module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Mandatory module.

Mandatory module. 

Requisite module.

Mandatory module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Optional module.

Waterfront Building reflecting in the marina

WHY SUFFOLK

16th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Best Facilities 2023

WUSCA 2023

5th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Career Prospects 2023

WUSCA 2023

14th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Student Support 2023

WUSCA 2023
Students at giraffe enclosure at Colchester Zoo
Colchester zoo
Two students looking at small mammal traps
Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science video
A close-up of a hand holding a small rodent
Small rodent
Two students looking through a microscope
Wildlife students

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2024/25

home-masthead-th

Career Opportunities

This degree will give you the opportunity to follow many career paths. From research in universities, research organisations and museums to working for non-governmental organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB or the WWF. Other opportunities include:

  • Planning Consultants
  • Conservationists
  • Science writers
  • Agri-tech
  • Sustainability Management 
  • Opportunities in Wildlife Parks and Zoos 
  • Government Agencies 

Your Course Team

Dr Mark Bowler

Mark is Course Leader in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science. He works on wildlife distributions and the effects of human activity on animal populations.

Dr Andres Arce

Andres is Lecturer in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science, interested in the ecology and evolution of adaptation to harmful or stressful environments.

Dr Christopher Turner

Christopher is Head of Life Science. His research studies animals at all levels, from their molecular and cell biology to their behaviour and ecology.

Cátia Marques

Catia is Course Leader in Biological Sciences and has worked in cell research in several laboratories across Europe.

Catia Marques staff profile photo

Richard Farrar

Richard teaches and leads a number of modules on the School’s undergraduate programmes including BSc Nutrition and Human Health and BSc Bioscience.

Richard Farrar staff profile photo

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,250

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,454*

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£14,598

per year

*Please contact the Student Centre for further details

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,250

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,454*

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,210

per year

*Please contact the Student Centre for further details

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The University of Suffolk is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
A group of students walking down a stairwell

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
A silhouette of a student in their cap and gown

"The University of Suffolk empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

A student sitting in a lecture writing

Related Courses

Close-up of a leaf
BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science

If you share our passion for understanding and conserving nature and wildlife, this course is ideal for you, and opens the door to many established and emerging careers. 

Unibuddy: Chat to our Students and Staff

Aerial view of the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds

Destination Suffolk