Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

What makes UCS special?
Ecology graduates are at the forefront of solving global challenges within land use, conservation and sustainable development. With an increasing demand for ecological knowledge in wider industries like renewable energy, agriculture and policy‑making, a degree in ecology is more than a path to a rewarding career – it’s a chance to shape a more liveable future.

This employment-focused foundation degree is designed for students who want to develop strong practical ecological skills alongside higher-level academic understanding. The course places a strong emphasis on fieldwork, species identification, habitat management and ecological surveying, while also developing skills in data analysis, report writing, critical thinking and professional communication. This balanced approach makes the course ideal for those seeking hands-on roles in wildlife conservation and environmental management, as well as for students planning to progress to further study.

What Makes This Course Unique?
Exceptional facilities, industry connections and immersive learning environment:

• Our living laboratory – 183‑hectare estate with diverse habitats including semi‑natural ancient woodland, ponds and reedbeds, and a nationally important butterfly transect survey, providing opportunities for hands‑on learning and research

• A strong emphasis on regular hands-on practical sessions, fieldwork and work-related learning opportunities

• Proven legacy – we are well‑established in wildlife conservation education, supported by strong partnerships with top local employers

• Tailor your learning to your interests and career goals with work placement opportunities in both years and option to top‑up to a full BSc for year 3.

What will I learn?
You will gain a deep understanding of ecological systems, conservation science and sustainability. Topics such as ecosystem services, species monitoring and biodiversity management are paired with practical skills like species and habitat identification, mapping, and project management planning.
Practical learning to ensure you graduate with career confidence:

• Conduct wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, develop habitat management plans

• Participate in fieldwork on campus or at externally managed conservation sites

• Contribute to live research projects, such as monitoring butterfly populations, avian species richness and diversity monitoring, dormouse and other small mammal monitoring, habitat surveying and assessing and aspects of pollution monitoring and impacts.

How will I be assessed?
Our assessments mirror the challenges you will face in your career, combining academic depth with practical application:

• Field‑based assignments allow you to showcase your skills to employers

• A range of presentation types and written assignments that develop key graduate skills such as communication expertise.

Focused on Your Future:
This course will enable you to open doors to career paths in this rapidly growing sector such as Conservation Officer or Ranger or Ecological Consultant. Ecology is also increasingly integrated into sectors such as renewable energy, urban planning and sustainable agriculture, expanding opportunities for ecologists in non‑traditional roles. This degree will also upskill you in a range of transferable skills such as higher‑level communication, data literacy and project management.

Graduates are well prepared for roles such as:

• Conservation Ranger or Officer

• Assistant Ecologist or Ecological Technician

• Environmental Assistant within NGOs, Wildlife Trusts or local authorities

• Or continuing in education, for example with our BSc (Hons) Top‑up programme

Course Modules*

YEAR ONE – SOLID FOUNDATIONS

Habitats and species monitoring

Ecology concepts Conservation in the Anthropocene

Graduate skills for ecologists

YEAR TWO – GET JOB‑READY

Conservation in practice

Applied biodiversity monitoring

Ecological enhancement

Applied research methods in ecology

*subject to change

Final and in-session assessment will allow you to develop research and study skills as well as technical and expert knowledge. Assessments include written assignments, presentations, project and lab reports, practical based and online portfolios and examinations.