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Study Ecology, why & how to study

Ecology is the study of living organisms and their ecosystems. Read our guide to decide if a degree and career in the area are for you.

Green ferns in forest

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Ecology?

  2. What Ecology degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto an Ecology degree?

  4. What topics does an Ecology degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Ecology?

  7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying an Ecology degree?
  8. What do Ecology graduates earn?

  9. What jobs can you get as an Ecology graduate?

  10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  11. Similar subjects to Ecology

  12. Have any questions?

What’s Ecology?

Ecology is the study of organisms within their environments. As an ecologist, you examine the behaviour of plants, animals and other living things. You seek to understand their diversity, ecosystems and abundance.

Degree courses cover many areas, including biodiversity, conservation, genetics and environmental management. Through lectures, practical labs and fieldwork, you’ll learn how to protect and preserve our natural world.

Ecology comes under the umbrella of Biological Sciences. Take a look at the university league table for Biological Sciences.

What Ecology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Ecology degree courses on offer in the UK include:

Ecology BSc/MBiol

You can study Ecology as a Bachelor of Science (BSc). Another option is an integrated master’s course, where you earn a Master of Biology (MBiol). Courses are interdisciplinary, informed by other subjects like biology, statistics and environmental science. 

Search for Ecology courses

Ecology and Conservation BSc

Combine your studies with a focus on conservation biology. You’ll explore the two areas and learn conservation techniques as well as ecological theories. 

Find Ecology and Conservation courses.

Ecological and Environmental Sciences BSc

Another combination option is with a focus on the environment. You can become an expert in areas like climate change, sustainability or environmental policy.

Search for Ecological and Environmental Sciences courses.

Other options

Several universities offer a study abroad or professional placement year as part of the course. 

  1. GO TO
  2. Find an Ecology degree
  3. Types of undergraduate degrees

What do you need to get onto an Ecology degree?

Must have

Most undergraduate Ecology courses ask for around 104–153 UCAS points. Not every university will base an offer on UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements.

  • A Levels: ABB–BCC
  • BTECs: DDM–DMM
  • Scottish Highers: AABB–BBBC
  • International Baccalaureate: 32–28
  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied biology and another science subject, like chemistry or physics

Good to have

  • Subjects like mathematics, geography or environmental science
  • Volunteering or work experience in a conservation environment, like a wildlife trust, park or nature centre
  1. GO TO
  2. Entry requirements
  3. About UCAS points
  4. Alternatives to A Levels

What topics does an Ecology degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Biodiversity
  • Global environmental challenges
  • Evolution and environmental physiology
  • Animal behaviour
  • Zoology
  • Aquatic ecology
  • Genetics

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:

  • Coursework such as essays and reports
  • Written examinations
  • Group presentations
  • Oral presentations
  • Field assessments

Why study Ecology?

Career-specific skills: 

  • Data interpretation
  • Survey techniques
  • Taxonomy
  • Development and testing of hypotheses
  • Ecological research

Transferable skills:

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Critical thinking
  • Presentation
  • IT literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Communication

Professional accreditations:

  • Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS)
  • Royal Society of Biology

Some universities offer Ecology students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants. It’s worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers (e.g. materials, tuition fees and/or living costs).

Take a look at our guide to scholarships and bursaries.

What do Ecology graduates earn?

When starting as a graduate ecologist, you can expect an entry-level salary of around £22,000.

As you become more experienced, the average salary ranges from £30,000–40,000. Salaries can be higher than £50,000 for those with lots of experience in senior positions.

Read about what graduates do and earn.

What jobs can you get as an Ecology graduate?

Ecology graduates work in areas like conservation, research, health, forensic science and sustainability. Work can be in charities, NGOs, government agencies, universities and environmental groups. Examples of graduate roles include:

  • Ecological consultant
  • Data manager
  • Experimental officer
  • Research analyst
  • Business development executive
  • Laboratory technician
  • Clinic coordinator
  • Data manager
  • Medical writer

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK:

  1. GO TO
  2. Find postgraduate courses for Ecology
  3. Types of postgraduate degrees

Similar subjects to Ecology

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Search undergraduate Ecology courses now!

Have any questions?

Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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