Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Ecology and wildlife conservation is the scientific study of living organisms and their relationships with each other and with their environments, applied to the urgent challenge of protecting the biodiversity that sustains all life on Earth. Ecology asks how populations and communities of organisms are structured, how they interact, and how they respond to environmental change. Wildlife conservation applies that ecological knowledge to the practical work of protecting species and habitats in the face of habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and human pressure.

It is a discipline driven by both scientific rigour and genuine ethical commitment to the natural world.

At the University of Reading, this programme includes a foundation year for students who need to build their scientific foundations before the degree proper, making it accessible to students with a wider range of prior qualifications. The programme also includes a sandwich placement year and work placements, providing substantial professional experience in conservation, ecology, or environmental management settings. Reading's rural campus and its strong research connections in ecology and environmental science provide a distinctive learning environment, with opportunities to engage with real ecological fieldwork in a variety of habitats.

The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the programme's inclusive approach and its commitment to developing students who combine scientific ability with a passion for the natural world.

Ecology and wildlife conservation graduates are well placed for careers in ecological consultancy, conservation organisations, national parks and nature reserves, environmental agencies, research, and government. Roles in ecological surveying, species and habitat management, environmental impact assessment, and conservation planning are among the most common destinations. The sandwich year gives Reading graduates a significant practical advantage, and many students find that their placement leads to graduate employment in the conservation sector.

Postgraduate study in ecology, conservation biology, environmental management, or related fields supports progression into more specialist or research-focused roles.