Ecology and Environmental Biology (Including Placement Year)
- Study level:
- Undergraduate

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.
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
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
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
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.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24360 | Year 1 |
| International | £24360 | Year 1 |
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.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email:admit@essex.ac.uk
Phone:01206 873666
Fax: 01206 872808
