Ecology and Conservation

UCAS code: CFC8

Here's what University of Brighton says about its Ecology and Conservation course.

An Ecology and Conservation degree at Brighton prepares you to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time — protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems and ensuring sustainable futures for wildlife and people.

At Brighton you’ll join a supportive academic community and gain hands-on experience in the field and lab from day one. You’ll learn how to monitor species, assess habitats and apply ecological theory to real-world conservation projects.

Brighton graduates go on to work in conservation organisations, ecological consultancies, wildlife charities, government agencies and research institutions. Many continue to postgraduate study or specialise in areas such as environmental management, biodiversity monitoring or ecological restoration.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Gain a?degree with professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology,?meaning you’ll?graduate with an appropriate set of knowledge and skills aligned with professional practice.

• Ecology and conservation at Brighton is ranked 1st in the UK for academic support, 2nd in the UK for learning opportunities and 7th in the UK for teaching – National Student Survey 2025

• Brighton’s sustainability commitment?–?study in a city with strong environmental initiatives and access to the South Downs National Park and The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere.

• Learn specialist field skills?on day trips and residential field trips to places such as South Africa and Shropshire as well as in our rich local environment.

• Travel and accommodation included in the fees?for mandatory residential trips to locations such as Shropshire (go to the Fees and costs section for more info).

• Boost your CV with work experience opportunities,?including an optional placement year, funded internship schemes and community volunteering.

• Learn hands-on in our specialist facilities?such as our aquatic suite, GIS lab and ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.

• Active student involvement in biodiversity and sustainability projects?–?join initiatives like the Hedgehog Friendly Campus, University Mammal Challenge and campus monitoring of plants, birds and habitats. You can also help restore chalk grassland with Sussex Wildlife Trust and enhance campus biodiversity through ponds and habitat improvements.

• Contribute to our research?in areas such as micropollutants, invasive species, aquatic environments and the reintroduction of species.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Ecology and Conservation Our Moulsecoomb campus puts you at the heart of one of the UK’s most ecologically diverse regions. Just minutes from the South Downs National Park and close to coastal habitats, you’ll have easy access to woodlands, wetlands and marine environments for fieldwork and research.

Brighton is a vibrant, creative city with strong environmental networks and conservation organisations, offering opportunities for volunteering, placements and community projects. Excellent transport links make it simple to reach local nature reserves, national parks and employer events, ensuring field trips and industry engagement are part of everyday learning.

Year 1 In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in ecology and conservation while developing essential scientific skills. You’ll explore key ecological principles and conservation strategies through case studies, and study the diversity of terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems. Field trips and site visits will introduce you to practical techniques for surveying habitats and identifying species.

Alongside this, you’ll gain core bioscience knowledge in genetics, evolution, microbiology and plant biology, and learn how organisms adapt to their environments. You’ll also develop skills in data analysis, scientific communication and laboratory techniques, preparing you for more advanced ecological research and conservation practice in later years.

Core modules Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology Essential Skills for Bioscientists Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants Introduction to Ecology and Conservation Terrestrial Ecosystems

Year 2 In your second year, you’ll build advanced knowledge of ecology and conservation while developing technical skills for research and analysis. You’ll study population biology and genetics to understand species survival and conservation challenges and explore animal diversity and global aquatic ecosystems through field trips and practical sessions.

You’ll also gain hands-on experience with GIS and remote sensing, essential tools for mapping and monitoring habitats. Optional UK or international field courses provide further training in ecological survey techniques, while modules in research skills and professional development prepare you for your final year project and future career.

Core modules Population Biology for Conservation GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice Research Skills and Professional Development Animal Diversity and Adaptations Marine and Freshwater Ecology

Options* Sustainable Futures Applied Conservation Field Course (UK) Environmental Pollution Ecology and Conservation International Field course

Optional Placement Year You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two so you gain hands-on experience with conservation organisations, ecological consultancies or research institutions. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, develop practical field and analytical skills, and build valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in ecology and environmental management.

Final year In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced topics in ecology and conservation and complete an independent research project. You’ll learn how to carry out Ecological Impact Assessments, gaining consultancy-style skills in biodiversity surveys, technical reporting and mitigation planning. Modules on species interactions and hot topics in ecology will deepen your understanding of ecosystem dynamics and emerging conservation challenges.

You’ll also have the flexibility to tailor your studies with option modules covering advanced GIS, environmental impact assessment, political ecology and aquatic environments. Throughout the year, you’ll develop specialist knowledge, critical thinking and professional communication skills to prepare you for careers in conservation and consultancy or for further research.

Core modules Ecological Impact Assessment Ecology Project Species Interactions Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

Options* Ice Age Britian Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing Independent Study Module Political Ecology: Contested Environments Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.