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Wildlife Conservation and Ecology

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Biodiversity underpins a range of ecosystem services which support our social and economic health and well-being, yet the World is facing global crises of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

If you have a passion for wildlife conservation and want to make a difference to the quality of the environment we leave for future generations both in the UK and internationally this is the course for you. The programme is founded on the study of ecological science: the interactions between species, their physical environment and humans; and its application to the conservation and management of wildlife. Key aspects focus on the ecology of protected species, animal behaviour, practical habitat management, ecological assessment of planning projects, and managing the ecological impacts of population growth, food production, land management and the climate crisis. Students will also develop professional skills in species identification, field survey techniques, data management, and project management. These topics will be underpinned by a sound knowledge of how key international and national legislation applies to practical conservation of species and habitats at home and abroad.

Each year of the programme includes fieldwork and there is a residential field course in every year. There are international field courses in the second and final year. The final year course is currently in South Africa, while the L5 course will be in Europe. These residential field courses are supplemented by a wide range of field trips to local sites to contextualise material introduced in lectures and seminars. The programme has a strong applied focus using standard industry techniques underpinned by science.

Industry best practice has been driven by technological advances in remote sensing, eDNA, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and GIS. The application of these technologies is embedded in the course to promote the conservation of wildlife.

The university is situated in a rural location with easy access to the countryside of Cheshire and Shropshire, including the Meres and Mosses and the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The university also has its own estate of 400ha including a range of agricultural and semi-natural habitats. The estate and local sites are used in the course for site visits and practical exercises.

This course is built on a long history of related courses, taught by staff with a wide range of academic and professional expertise.

A version of this course with a placement year is also available.

Modules

https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/201250/wildlife-conservation-and-ecology

Assessment method

A wide range of assessment methods are used. Depending on the module these include examination, assignments, practical spot-tests and presentations

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:
CD15
Institution code:
H12
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 88 - 96 points

A level - CCD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM

For applicants taking a City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma, offers tend to be in the region of MMM Please note these grades apply only to the new examined (reformed) version of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma which should be 1080 Guided Learning Hours. We do not accept the 720 GLH version as fully meeting our Level 3 entry requirements. If you are unsure which version you are studying please contact your school or college for advice.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits

Please note the Access course must be Science related

Scottish Higher - BBBC

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points

With a relevant Higher Level subject passed at 5

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

We accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to a full A level. For further information please contact the Admissions team.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4

BBBC on the old system

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language, Maths and a Science. BTEC level 2 in Science at grade M will be accepted as an alternative to GCSE Science at grade C/4.

T Level - Pass (C and above)

Accepted subject Agriculture, Land Management and Production Routes: Crop and Plant Production, Land-based Engineering, Ornamental horticulture and landscaping, Tree and woodland Management and maintenance Accepted subject Science Routes: Laboratory Sciences

An understanding of a science based subject, whether through a taught qualification, beyond GCSE level, or independent learning, would be preferable. Evidence of independent learning should be included within your personal statement.

For full entry requirements, including details of all other qualifications accepted, please see our website www.harper.ac.uk

The University is happy to consider applications from those who are studying mixed qualifications, such as combinations of BTECs and A levels. Due to the numerous combinations available it is impossible to state the entry requirements for these, but applicants can expect to receive offers with comparable grades to those without mixed qualifications. For advice please contact the Admissions Team.

The University is committed to bringing fresh talent to the industries we serve and has developed a range of initiatives to give everyone the best chance to access our undergraduate programmes. Known as 'Access to Harper' our contextualised offer scheme recognises difficulties that some applicants may face and provides those applicants with an offer lower than our standard requirements. Further details can be found at https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/access.cfm

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

75 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
EU£16500Year 1
International£16500Year 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

This 4 year course consists of 3 years on campus at a cost of £9535 per year with a placement in year 3 which costs £1907 (Fees for International students are £16500 per year with a placement in year 3 which costs £3,700)

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