Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Ecology and wildlife conservation addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the global decline of biodiversity and the degradation of the natural systems on which all life, including human life, depends. Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and with their environments, while conservation science applies that knowledge to the practical work of protecting species and habitats. Together, they equip graduates with both the theoretical understanding and the practical skills to contribute meaningfully to efforts to address biodiversity loss and climate change.

At the University of Cumbria, this four-year, full-time programme with a placement year is based at the Ambleside campus in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides an unparalleled natural environment for fieldwork and study. You will benefit from more than 180 hours of hands-on practical field and laboratory work, giving you the applied skills that employers in conservation and ecology consistently look for. You will be taught by research-active lecturers with genuine expertise in the field, and you will gain first-hand experience working with conservation partners who provide real-world context and professional connections.

The placement year extends your professional experience before you graduate. The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates from ecology and wildlife conservation programmes work for conservation organisations, environmental consultancies, national parks, government agencies, wildlife charities, research institutions, and organisations working on habitat restoration, species monitoring, and environmental impact assessment. Roles include field ecologist, conservation officer, environmental consultant, biodiversity net gain specialist, and wildlife surveyor. The practical skills and conservation science knowledge developed during the degree are directly transferable to professional practice.

Postgraduate study in ecology, conservation biology, or environmental management provides a route for those who wish to specialise further or pursue research.