BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation with a Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C18F
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for you to study BSc Ecology and Conservation with a Foundation Year UEA, even if you don’t have the standard entry qualifications for these courses or feel you need a more supported start to your university life.
You’ll begin with a foundation year studying a range of core subjects on the science of life on Earth. About 60% of this year will be spent studying biology modules, which will take you from the very small, cellular level through to aspects of whole organisms, ecosystems and how the interactions between the two are key to living healthily and sustainably. The remaining 40% of your foundation year will be comprised of training in research skills, mathematics and environmental sciences, the exact combination of which will be based on your previous studies and your intended future course. Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, you’ll progress on to one of the Ecology and Conservation degrees within the School of Biological Sciences.
You’ll be taught by world-class academics in the School of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences, which is proud to be one of the most developed schools of our kind in Europe. You’ll have access to some of the best facilities in the country, including our new £34 million undergraduate STEM teaching laboratories. You’ll also benefit from our enviable position within the Norfolk Broads National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty that plays a key role in ecological conservation efforts. In addition, we’re an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre (for plant sciences and microbiology), the Sainsbury Laboratory (for plant disease and resistance) , the Earlham Institute (a genomics centre), and the new £75-million Quadram Institute (a food and health research centre).
You’ll benefit from our collective expertise which will help you to foster a deep understanding of ecology and conservation in the context of field work and laboratory investigation for improved monitoring, amelioration and safe-guarding of organisms and their environments.
Study and Modules
Structure
The focus of most of your biology studies will relate to the drivers and processes contributing to the evolution of life. You’ll study crucial processes such as metabolic pathways and nutrient flow within our bodies and the environment. You’ll explore the role of fossils as evidence for evolution, the inheritance of genetic disorders, and the processes driving diversity within populations, including specific examples on topics such as antimicrobial resistance. You’ll also train in core research skills including various “wet lab” techniques such as DNA extraction, microscopy, bacterial culture, experimental design, plus data collection and statistical analysis. Depending on your previous qualification, 20% of your study will also cover core mathematics or environmental sciences.
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, you’ll progress on to one of the main Ecology and Conservation degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences. The progression criteria for these courses varies, but a typical example might be 40% overall. Passing all your foundation year modules (the pass mark is 40%) will also make you eligible for our main Biological Sciences programmes as well as our Microbiology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics degree courses.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The primary avenue for your learning will be through lectures, seminars, and practical laboratory sessions, offering hands-on experience and significant contact time with lecturers and researchers. Additionally, seminars and group discussions serve to cultivate problem posing and solving abilities.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library, and you’ll be assigned an Academic Adviser who will provide you with guidance throughout.
Assessment
We’ll use a variety of assessment methods to enable you to demonstrate your learning. These include multiple choice questions (MCQs) online tests, mini-interviews (called vivas), presentations, posters and lab assessments.
Structure
The first year of your Ecology and Conservation degree is all about developing your field skills and theoretical knowledge to give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of ecology. You’ll undertake a range of modules in which you’ll explore biodiversity, taxonomy and evolution, enabling you to explore the processes that have driven the diversity of life on Earth.
Alongside this, you’ll consider the challenges facing ecologists today, devising solutions to some of these problems from an interdisciplinary perspective by studying alongside students from the School of Environmental Sciences. Finally, you’ll go on a number of field trips exploring some of the wonderful habitats and landscapes found across East Anglia.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
All our teaching in the School of Biological Sciences is research led. This means that you benefit from the teaching expertise of experienced, enthusiastic academic staff, who ensure that the most recent scientific advances and ideas are incorporated into all our courses.
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops geared towards helping you understand the theory and concepts behind evolution, behaviour, ecological services, processes and conservation. You’ll spend time in the laboratory developing techniques to explore ecology, from microbes and parasites to model organisms. You'll also learn through fieldwork where you’ll perfect practical field skills and survey techniques. You'll meet and learn from working ecologists from key partner organisations to develop practical conservation skills to complement your academic studies.
Assessment
During this course, you’ll develop your skills and knowledge through a range of activities, from field-based surveys through lab practicals to lectures. You’ll be assessed on your learning and progress on this course through a range of methods which may include the presentation of your own taxonomy collection, creating social media articles, group presentations, or writing executive reports for clients, as well as the more formal course tests, exams and assessed practical work. Ecology with Conservation has a strong emphasis on coursework and practical reporting, preparing you for the workplace after you graduate.
Structure
In the second year of your degree, you’ll further develop your theoretical knowledge with modules that explore population and community ecology, and the management of populations including the role of citizen science and Big Data. You'll also go on a two-week field course exploring a range of habitats and refining your survey skills and analytical techniques.
You’ll choose three modules to complement all of these and might find yourself exploring parasite and pathogen ecology, undertaking a further field course in the tropics, or exploring environmental policy and macroecology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll continue learning through a combination of classroom, laboratory and field research, with a greater focus on independent and student-led research. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from leading ecologists from both within UEA and our partner organisations.
Assessment
You’ll continue to be assessed using a variety of methods, from more traditional exams and coursework to projects which more closely mirror a workplace environment. Assessment methods will continue to be split between lecture, laboratory, and field-based work.
Structure
In the final year of your studies, you’ll undertake an independent ecological research project. Working with one of the researchers from within the school or from one of our affiliated research institutions, this project is your opportunity to explore your own areas of interest and answer a research question that you may have developed during your studies. Your project can be field- or lab-based and take place in the UK or overseas.
In addition to the research project, you’ll choose to study a range of modules that help you to specialise in the areas of ecology that suit your own interests, be they the evolution of social behaviour, marine ecology, biodiversity conservation, or environmental politics.
By the time you finish this final year of your studies, you’ll have had hands-on opportunities to explore a range of temperate and tropical habitats. You’ll have spent time exploring organisms and their anatomy, considered the role of evolution in driving the diversity of life, and developed many transferable skills, from report-writing to science communication. You’ll graduate with an excellent grounding in Ecology and Conservation, ready to apply your skills to this increasingly important field of science.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
While you continue your classroom, laboratory, and field-based modules, you’ll conduct your own unique research projects in your third year. You’ll also have the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops exploring the latest research in ecology. These are often conducted by world-leading scientists and are organised by the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC) – one of the largest groups of ecologists and evolutionary biologists in Europe. They regularly feature scientists from UEA, as well as our affiliated partners like the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). You can work with the broader CEEC community in developing your third-year research project.
Assessment
You'll undergo assessment through diverse methods, ranging from conventional exams and coursework to projects designed to simulate real-world workplace scenarios. Assessment strategies will remain diversified across lecture, laboratory, and field-based activities. In addition, you’ll be assessed on your completion of a more substantive independent research project.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled ecologist ready to take advantage of East Anglia’s wealth of varied habitats, or range further afield. Either way, you’ll be able to use what you’ve learned at UEA to make a real difference.
You could go on to a career in many different areas – from ecological research, agriculture and horticulture to environmental management, consultancy and conservation. You might also consider education or science communication and engagement. Many of our students progress to postgraduate study.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Ecological research
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Environmental management and conservation
- Science communication and engagement
- Education
- Advanced research courses
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC.
Contextual offer: CDD.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM.
Contextual offer: MMP.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: MM plus C at A level.
Contextual offer: MM plus D at A level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A level.
Contextual offer: M plus CD at A level.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4.
Scottish Highers
BBCCC.
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’ll normally be expected to pay 50% towards the cost of any optional field trips selected from the range of residential field courses within the Schools of Biological Science or Environmental Sciences. All ecology students are expected to have suitable field clothes including walking boots and waterproofs.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: