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Ecology and Environmental Biology (Including Placement Year)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • October 2026
  • Undergraduate
Colchester Campus
More about University of Essex

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology is a three-year degree, extendable to four with an optional year in placement or abroad.

You’ll become a well-rounded ecologist ready to design management solutions for current and future ecosystem challenges.

WHY THIS COURSE

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology lets you explore terrestrial, marine and freshwater systems, examining taxa from the smallest microbes to the largest organisms on Earth.

You’ll investigate the crucial role of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functions and securing the flow of ecosystem services on which humanity depend. And you’ll develop strong theoretical, practical and data-handling skills to help you understand how biodiversity and ecosystems are changing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to train in tropical marine biology in Indonesia and environmental biology and ecology on our new Arctic field course.

Add a placement year or study abroad to put your learning into practice, expand your perspective and build confidence in professional or international settings.

You’ll graduate on the path to an ecology or environmental science career, ready to help resolve the increasing environmental issues across the world.

Modules

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • October 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
C523
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C523
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

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Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
112 - 120 points

GCSE Maths C/4 is also required.
Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
Including C in Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Life and Health Sciences or Marine Science.

We accept A Levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T Levels, AAQs and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.

Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK.

Learn more on the University of Essex website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fees displayed are for the 2026-27 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

Related courses

At University of Essex

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