Ecology and Conservation (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Ecologists work to protect natural environments and habitats. Their research is essential to understanding the relationship between plants and animals, how different ecosystems are structured, and how human activities impact the places they call home. From this, they develop conservation strategies that tackle the most pressing global, environmental challenges. Could you use your passion for nature and conservation to help protect wildlife and their habitats?

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Ecology and Conservation (Placement Year) degree will combine ecological theory and practice through lectures and tutorials, field trips and lab work. In Year 1, you will be introduced to key topics such as ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation.

As you progress into Year 2, you will begin to hone your interests by choosing from a range of optional modules, with topics including organismal biology, remote sensing technologies, and environmental sciences.

In Year 4, you will undertake an independent research project with support from our renowned team of research-active academics. This will be conducted alongside more advanced modules.

Getting out in the field

As part of your degree, you will gain hands-on experience in the field, giving you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with current conservation efforts and a variety of ecosystems and the species that live in them.

You will visit a Scottish island to explore a diverse range of land and marine habitats, observing animals including tiny nudibranchs and starfish, the local grey seal population, red deer and mountain hares, ospreys and golden eagles, and potentially even the elusive basking shark.

You might also explore the Rift Valley of Kenya, where you will evaluate the challenge of balancing tropical conservation and human activity.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Personal development

You will explore a number of unique habitats and ecosystems throughout your degree, whether locally or overseas. This hands-on experience will help you develop key conservations skills, alongside a range of transferable skills desired by employers; some of which include environmental sampling, data handling, analysis, communication, and surveying and identification of wildlife. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

3 things our ecology and conservation students want you to know:

• Lancaster is a great choice for getting closer than ever to nature. The University’s location means you can quickly access two national parks, the Lake District World Heritage Site and the Yorkshire Dales, and a number of nature reserves and forest areas. Plus, many students join LUSU Green, a group run by the Students’ Union, who are working to create thriving natural environments on campus

• There’s no better way to understand ecology than by taking it in for yourself. Our students tell us the global fieldwork experiences are some of the most valuable, helping them explore new environments and building their confidence

• Ecology and conservation impacts every area of our economy, so your future career is likely to be more varied than you think. More and more global environmentally focused careers are becoming available, and your insight will be highly valued by employers

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB. This should include two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate subject content.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM to include sufficient science. We require Distinctions in the majority of relevant science units. Not all science-based BTECs will include sufficient relevant science units. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements, and achieve appropriate grades in those subjects.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects including two HL science subjects at grade 6

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Not accepted

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.