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, as a Gloucestershire graduate you can choose to pursue one of our postgraduate courses, receiving a priority offer and an alumni fees discount.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
At University of Gloucestershire, we’ve been encouraging students to meet every ambition since 1847. Join us and you’ll benefit from our three UoG promises:

1. 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).
2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.
3. UoG Connections Promise – whilst at UoG, you’ll find the connections to reach your goals. With over 4,000 placements and more than 60 clubs and societies to join, you’ll make connections for life.

Our ambition is boundless. Experienced lecturers promote a real-world ethos and treat our students as more than just a number. 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. Students never tire of finding inspiration here in the unique county of Gloucestershire – innovation and bravery thrive here. Cheltenham and Gloucester offer the best of city and country living, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds paired with vibrant nightclubs and stunning parks in the bustling town and city centres.

After the course
Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers.

Experience an open day
Book yourself a place at a University of Gloucestershire open day at www.glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay. Our open days have been designed to inform you, inspire you, and help you make the right decision about your next step. It’s your chance to see the university for yourself, get a real insight into what we're about and meet your potential course tutors and lecturers.

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.