Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (with Foundation Year option) Bournemouth University (BU)

Why study BSc (Hons) Ecology & Wildlife Conservation at BU?

• Learn from expert academics, professional practitioners and guest speakers who will guide you through the wider social and legal context in which ecological conservation operates.
• Gain practical experience with opportunities for fieldwork in a fantastic variety of local habitats including forests, meadows, heaths and maritime environments.
• Undertake a 5-week placement in your first year as well as an additional 5-week or 30-week placement in your third year.
• Select subjects that match your personal passions and ambitions as the course has a wide range of options units.
• Engage in our many staff research collaborations with conservation organisation.
• Engage in our many staff research collaborations with conservation organisation and be part of a thriving network of staff, students and professional practitioners working together for wildlife conservation.
• You'll be career ready, with 90% of graduates in employment or further study within fifteen months of finishing the course. (source DiscoverUni 2023)

There’s a growing demand for professionals with skills in wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. This course will give you a solid scientific grounding in the science of ecology and how it can be used to conserve species.

Work on real-life projects

Our students work in partnership with our staff to co-create featured projects, collaborating with professional practitioners and participating in individual placement opportunities. Take a look at our Co-creating Science webpage to find out about the exciting projects, work placements and final year dissertations our students get involved in, including moose behaviour in Norway, Madagascan rainforests, and chimpanzees in Tanzania to name just a few.  

Entry requirements

For September 2026 entry: The entry requirements for this course are 104–120 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BCC–BBB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also accept a wide range of vocational qualifications including BTEC Extended Diploma (grade DMM) and T Levels (Merit). We will consider all subjects but not accept General Studies.

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2026 entry:

• China: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course

• France: Baccalaureate with 11.5–12.5 overall or 10.5-11.5 (international option)
• Hong Kong: HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course
• India: All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70%
• Spain: Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 - 7. Grade depends on the course
• Turkey: Devlet Lise Diplomasi/Lise Bitirme Diplomasi 3.5/5.0 or 70%

We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU.

For September 2026 entry: If English is not your first language, you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components or equivalent.

Foundation Year entry requirements for September 2026 entry: 48-72 UCAS tariff points including 1 A-level or equivalent.