Ecology and Environmental Science

Why Ecology and Environmental Science?

On this Institution of Environmental Sciences-accredited degree, focus on key themes and issues within ecological, conservation and environmental science, and prepare for a career addressing the challenges that face our natural world.

You’ll be part of our Bioscience courses, which achieve a consistent high ranking in the UK for student experience and graduate prospects. From 2nd for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2025, to 5th for teaching quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, to 11th for graduate careers in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

You’ll choose from themes reflecting our research specialisms in applied ecology, conservation, monitoring & management, ecological theory, environmental change, water and global sustainability.

Developing advanced skills in lab work, ecological surveying and geographic information systems, you’ll progress from UK field training to field research in the savannah of South Africa, tropical rainforests of Costa Rica or the montane environments of the Swiss Alps. There is also the opportunity to spend a semester in Year 2 at partner Universities in Canada, the USA or New Zealand.

With a focus on small class, practical and field learning, you will be assessed entirely through coursework to gain a truly representative measure of graduate attributes sought by future employers and for postgraduate study.

At the end you can choose to pursue one of our postgraduate courses, receiving a priority offer and an alumni fees discount.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a vibrant, close-knit and diverse community where small class sizes and dedicated personal tutors ensure students receive guidance and support from day one. UoG has been offering a wide range of degrees, courses and apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1847. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study.

Our promises to you
UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply).
UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students’ accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.
UoG Connections Promise – offering thousands of placements, internships, clubs and societies to help students find their community and build valuable experience and career connections.

Career focused courses
95% of our graduates are in work or further study and courses at UoG are designed in collaboration with industry partners and benefit from the professional experience and expertise of its staff. This approach ensures students gain practical, relevant knowledge that prepares them for real-world careers.

Student life
Home to 11,300 students and 900 staff across four campuses, University of Gloucestershire offers dynamic learning environments on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 45 festivals each year, global business placements nearby and more than 500 bars, clubs and pubs, Cheltenham is known as the ‘Festival Town’, while Gloucester blends rich history with a modern city feel, from its iconic cathedral to its famous docks.

Visit us.
Come and explore our campuses, facilities, teaching areas and accommodation. You’ll get the chance to attend course talks and meet our lecturers, current students and support staff and answer all of your questions.

To find out more information about this course, visit www.glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14.

As you advance through the course, you can choose to follow themes that mirror our research specialisms in applied ecology, conservation, monitoring & management, ecological theory, environmental change, water and global sustainability. You'll learn through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, seminars, debates and lectures. Our excellence in teaching and research means you will be kept up-to-date with the latest environmental knowledge. You will be assessed through consultancy reports, presentations, essays, scientific reports and practical tests. Just 20% of your assessments will be written examinations.