This course focuses on ecological concepts, the natural world, and how we conserve it. It has been designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of environmental problems and their solutions. You’ll study how ecological concepts can be applied to conserve nature, and the threats from pressures such as climate and land-use change.
If you have any questions about our Ecology and Conservation course, you can now chat to our experienced lecturers and course leaders through Unibuddy.
Why choose this course?
- Explore over 200 hectares of farm and woodland estate on our Brackenhurst Campus, an ideal location to study Ecology and Conservation.
- Benefit from studying with a variety of habitats including wetland, woodland and grassland, right on your doorstep.
- Our conservation courses have a strong emphasis on practical learning and include field trips with opportunities in both the UK and abroad – great for maximising your career potential.
- Get the best of both worlds! Immerse yourself in the subject in our stunning outdoor classroom at Brackenhurst, but still be completely connected to student life and all the events, entertainment, clubs and societies that Nottingham has to offer.
- You'll get the chance to volunteer with extra projects, such as surveying great crested newts, ringing birds and trapping small mammals on campus.
- We're ranked 3rd for number of undergraduate students on sandwich courses studying Ecology and Environmental Biology (HESA, 2019/20).
- We're ranked 3rd for number of year-long placement undergraduates studying Ecology and Environmental Biology (HESA, 2019/20).
Which course is right for you?
We offer three conservation degrees, each with a different focus:
- BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation (this course) - explores community and ecosystem ecology (i.e. larger scale ecology) and has more of a focus on habitats, plants and the habitat requirements of species.
- BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation - explores behavioural and population ecology (i.e. smaller scale ecology) and has more of a focus on animal species and animal conservation management.
- FdSc Wildlife Conservation - is more vocational, with greater emphasis on practical and applied skills.
Student profiles
What you'll study
The course has been designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of both natural and human-made environments. You will develop key vocational attributes, in a strong ecological context, that are valued by employers.
You will study the ecology of plants, animals and land use, the conservation of organisms and the management of habitats - including learning how to manage them through practical experience. You will examine environmental impact assessment and global food security issues. The course also explores methods of ecological investigation using geographical information system (GIS) skills. You will develop an understanding of the social and economic issues which underpin pressing environmental problems. You will also have the chance to tailor your studies, by choosing optional modules to focus on your particular area of interest in the final year.
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Year One
Principles of Ecology
Study the interaction of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in relation to the distribution of populations and communities within ecosystems.
Introduction to Plant Ecology
Understand how plants exist and respond to their environment. Examine how plant communities become established and how to recognise them.
Biodiversity Conservation
Explore the biological diversity on Earth, focusing on the abundance and distribution of species. Investigate theories addressing evolution, the causes of mass extinctions, and the conservation of species.
Ecological Census Techniques
Study the purpose of, and undertake, ecological surveys, using industry-recognised techniques. Learn species identification for a range of taxonomic groups such as birds, plants and invertebrates.
Introduction to Animal Ecology
Understand the structure and function of a range of animal species and examine how animals respond to their environments.
Practical Conservation Skills
Develop practical skills through carrying out nature conservation tasks. Develop mapping skills and the ability to carry out surveys of sites using a variety of techniques. Establish working links with the conservation industry.
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Year Two
Applied Habitat Management
Study a wide range of natural, semi-natural and human-made habitat types and associated species. Look at integrated management techniques for multi-use habitats via site-based evaluations.
Land Use Ecology
Explore land uses such as farming and forestry, whose productivity is determined by the presence and products of ecological processes, and the impacts of humans upon them.
Experimental Design and Analysis
Cultivate an understanding of research methodology, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and data presentation.
Environmental Monitoring and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Study the mapping and analytical techniques used in geographical information systems (GIS). Explore the applications of technology across a wide range of topic areas.
Law and Policy
Investigate the development, implementation and impact of environmental policies and laws. Explore the important theme of protecting the environment via environmental politics and policies, and the ever-increasing issue of securing sustainability.
Technical Skills
Gain a grounding in the principles, methods and applications of modern analytical laboratory and field techniques. This module also includes a residential overseas field trip currently to Spain.
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Year Three
Placement year for sandwich course students
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Final year
Dissertation
Undertake independent research, under supervision. Focus on your own area of interest within ecology and conservation.
Ecosystem Ecology
Examine the ecology of landscapes and ecosystems. Understand the influence of, and relationship between, location and ecological processes, and the resulting ecosystem goods and services that come from them.
Introduction to Ecological Consultancy
Gain an insight into the work of scientists who provide knowledge and advice to ensure short, medium and long term developments avoid being ecologically harmful.
You'll also choose two optional modules, one of which must be a field course
Africa Field Course
Investigate the function and conservation of African ecosystems by way of a 10-day residential field trip. You'll undertake surveys and assessments and explore their implications.
Global Agriculture and Food Security
This module provides an overview of the global agricultural industry and investigates the concepts of production and sustainability in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
UK Field Course
Investigate the function and conservation of UK ecosystems by way of a 10-day residential field trip. You'll undertake surveys and assessments and explore their implications.
Marine and Freshwater Ecology
You will be introduced to the structure and function of different marine and freshwater habitats, particularly the organisms that inhabit them, and their ecological interactions.
100% of students would agree the staff are good at explaining things (BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation full-time, National Student Survey 2020)
How you’re taught
You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures and practical sessions.
Assessment methods
- Year 1 coursework (67%) and written (33%)
- Year 2 coursework (83%) and written (17%)
- Year 3 coursework (83%) and written (17%)
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (28%) and independent study (72%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (27%) and independent study (73%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
You'll be studying at one of the UK's most environmentally friendly universities – NTU has achieved the EcoCampus Platinum award and invested in many environmental-impact innovations.
Careers and employability
Your future career
This course will enable you to progress in the ecology and conservation industries. Our graduates have gone on to work for bodies such as:
- the National Trust
- the Wildlife Trusts
- the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
- FrogLife
- local government and statutory agencies
- conservation organisations
- academic institutions.
You could also progress on to postgraduate study.
Placement opportunities
During the course you will have the option to do a year's placement in industry. The vital experience you will gain in a vocational position will make you more employable when you graduate.
Sandwich placements take place between Year Two and Year Three. This is an excellent chance for you to explore an aspect of ecology or conservation that interests you as a career while significantly increasing your employment prospects.
Recent student placements include:
- Earth Trust
- Middleton Lakes
- National Trust
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
100% of students would agree their career prospects have improved due to this course (BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation full-time, National Student Survey 2020)
Facilities
You will be studying in the ideal environment for Wildlife Conservation. Brackenhurst Campus is a 200-hectare estate with:
- farmland
- woodland
- wetland
- a diverse range of habitats and wildlife species.
Student research
- Conservation students are involved in tracking, mapping and recording a wide variety of species at Brackenhurst.
- These have included hedgehogs, badgers and roe deer.
- Many of the techniques learnt at Brackenhurst with native species have been transferred to global research projects on wolves, hyenas and vultures.
A wildlife haven
Not only are you surrounded by beautiful countryside at Brackenhurst, but the estate is also home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Here are just some of the species you might be lucky enough to spot here:
- badger
- bats
- barn owl
- tawny owl
- little owl
- merlin
- sparrow hawk
- buzzard
- hobby
- kestrel
- red kite
- peregrine falcon
- yellow hammer
- tree sparrow
- house sparrow
- bullfinch
- great crested newt
- smooth newt
- wood mouse
- field vole
- bank vole
- hare
and many more.
Benefit from studying in a variety of habitats, including the wetland, woodland and grassland that form parts of our Brackenhurst Campus.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBC; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM; or
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.
Applicants without A-levels will have their applications assessed for subject compatibility.
Other qualifications and experience
We consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our courses. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please email our International Team for advice.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
You will be charged a maximum of £60 for any compulsory residential trips in the UK, and a maximum of £400 for compulsory overseas residential field courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. In the final year students must choose either the Africa Field Course or the UK Field Course. Non-residential day excursions are included in the tuition fee and other non-compulsory opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at full cost to students. This includes the Africa Field Course. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing. It is essential that you have steel-toe-capped boots (which can either be walking or wellington boots, but you must have one or the other). Other necessary items are walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
International fees and scholarships
For information on international and EU fees and advice on how to pay, please visit our international fees page.
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University. For details and an application form please visit our international scholarships information.
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
You will be charged a maximum of £60 for any compulsory residential trips in the UK, and a maximum of £400 for compulsory overseas residential field courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. In the final year students must choose either the Africa Field Course or the UK Field Course. Non-residential day excursions are included in the tuition fee and other non-compulsory opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at full cost to students. This includes the Africa Field Course. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing. It is essential that you have steel-toe-capped boots (which can either be walking or wellington boots, but you must have one or the other). Other necessary items are walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.