Ecology and Conservation, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

In response to the global need for professionals equipped to address the crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, and the closely related water, food and health challenges, we have developed the BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation.

You will be equipped with the scientific knowledge, practical skills and ethical awareness to make meaningful contributions towards solving real-world environmental and societal challenges, researching ecological systems and leading and designing evidence-based conservation efforts to promote ecological sustainability, with hands-on experience through field courses, placements and research projects.

Our degree uses ethical, sustainable, and innovative approaches to create graduates who are not only professionally competent but also capable of critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

On completion of your studies, you will be able to confidently enter the workforce, with career prospects in conservation NGOs and businesses, environmental consultancy, government agencies and academia.

Why Ecology and Conservation at Swansea?

Based on our Singleton Park Campus, set in beautiful parkland overlooking Swansea Bay, you will be joining a high-performing department, which is currently ranked:

  • 6th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025) - assessed under 'Ecology and Environmental Biology'*
  • 11th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 14th in the UK for Research – assessed under ‘Biological Sciences’ (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

* Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 - 26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Ecology and Conservation Experience

Ecology and Conservation is a global science, and we foster an inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives. Ethics, Sustainability and the Climate Emergency are embedded throughout the curriculum, and you will develop a broader understanding of the legal, ethical, health and environmental issues in Ecology and Conservation on a global scale.

Fieldwork is an essential part of the course, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings, including a residential field course in Plant Ecology within your first year, and international field courses to Borneo (Malaysia) and the Red Sea (Egypt) in the third year, where you will experience and study international environmental issues firsthand. Lab work is also a crucial element, and you can develop your skills in our cutting-edge laboratories.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, spent in locations such as America, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Australia and South Korea, offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Year in Applied Research enables you to develop advanced research skills. You will be housed in our research groups, on exchange with our partners in Exeter or Aberystwyth, or can be linked with industry, or a combination of these options.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Ecology and Conservation Employment Opportunities

Our curriculum is tailored to enhance graduate employability and help you stand out to employers with authentic, employer-focused technical and transferable skills woven into every module. 

There will be opportunities to gain work experience with our research groups through short work placements, and dissertations are often aligned with employers where possible. Industrial partners also provide training courses, and you will create a personal development plan and discuss your career goals with your Personal Tutor.

You will also have the opportunity to attend a careers conference to enhance your employment opportunities, as well as professional skills building and work-simulated learning to develop your skills ready for the workplace.

Some of our staff are Members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Ecological Management, and use this network to develop the curriculum and optimise student employment skills and opportunities. Our department also has strong connections with national and international organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, The British Mammal Society and The National Wetlands Centre Wales, which all add value to your studies.

Our graduates are equipped to become advocates for the planet, contributing to global and local conservation as well as solutions for climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, with roles including:

  • Microbiologist
  • Nature Conservation Officer
  • Soil Scientist (Agriculture / Horticulture)
  • Sustainability Consultant / Ecologist
  • Ecotourism
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Academia
  • International Organisations including the UN, WWF, WHO and UNESCO)

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Ecology and Conservation, BSc (Hons)

BSc Ecology and Conservation with a Foundation Year,

Ecology and Conservation with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)

Ecology and Conservation with a Year in in Applied Research, BSc (Hons)

Ecology and Conservation with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)