The University of Sheffield
Ecology and Conservation Biology BSc (Hons)
The University of Sheffield

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our three-year BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology course explores how humans, animals and plants interact with each other and their environment, and how this determines their abundance, distribution and the biodiversity we see on the planet. You'll learn about human impacts on ecological interactions, the climate crisis, biodiversity and sustainability, as well as what we can do to manage natural resources in the face of changing environments.

Alongside your specialist ecology and conservation modules, from your first year you’ll have the flexibility to study topics across the breadth of biology to complement your knowledge. Topics range from plant science, biotechnology and zoology, to neuroscience, genetics and physiology. This flexibility allows you to study ecology and conservation in greater depth, keep your interests broad or even switch to another degree programme within the biosciences. No matter what modules you choose to study, you’ll develop practical laboratory and transferable skills that make our graduates attractive to employers including project management, problem solving, communication skills and data analysis.

We’ll give you plenty of opportunities to apply your new skills and knowledge too. You’ll be in the lab completing in-depth practicals, out in the Peak District conducting your own research projects, visiting zoos, aquariums and other scientific spots around the country and embarking on a once in a lifetime field course in the UK or abroad.

Whether you choose to focus solely on ecology and conservation biology, or study a range of topics across the biosciences, your personal tutor will support you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.

Whether you want to pursue a career in science, apply your skills in industry, or continue your studies, Sheffield biosciences graduates are highly sought after due to their specialist laboratory and field skills, ability to solve problems, handle and analyse data, and effectively communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences.

Our students secure roles with leading scientific organisations like GSK, AstraZeneca, Cancer Research, the Environment Agency, Wildlife Trusts, and the Natural History Museum. Transferable skills are embedded and developed throughout our degrees, which means year on year many of our graduates join top 100 employers like the BBC, Deloitte, the Civil Service, and the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. You can also apply your degree to other varied careers including bioinformatics, marketing and science communication, teaching and science policy. Some students go on to further study.

If you want to gain work experience as a recognised part of your degree, we have an Ecology and Conservation Biology with Placement Year degree at both BSc and MBiolSci levels. You can test out a career path that you're considering between your second and third year - whether that's in the lab, the field, or applying your scientific knowledge and transferable skills in industry, and earn a salary while you're doing it.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Ecology and Conservation Biology, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Ecology and Conservation Biology BSc (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
International £26950 year 1

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

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.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Sheffield in top UK and global rankings.

See all 34 university rankings of The University of Sheffield

About The University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a government funded research university based in Sheffield, England. The university’s vision is to change the world for the better through the power and application of ideas and knowledge. This university does not have campuses, but instead approximately 430 buildings that are located quite close to each other in Sheffield’s metropolitan city centre.

List of 363 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Sheffield - Course Catalogue

Student composition of The University of Sheffield

undergraduates:
19190
postgraduates:
9285
Total:
28475
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Where is this programme taught

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