Ecology and Conservation BSc (Hons)

Ecologists and conservationists are playing vital roles in restoring our planet, learning from the past, acting in the present and securing a better environmental future for all.

This course is designed to give you a deep understanding of the natural world, how it works, and the tools we need to study and protect it.

In your first year, you'll learn the basics and tackle some of the big issues in ecology today. In your second year, you’ll explore important ideas, theories, and debates. By your final year, you’ll be applying what you’ve learned and thinking critically about real-world ecological problems.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain not just knowledge, but also practical skills through fieldwork, lab sessions, and surveys—these are key to working in this field. The aim is to prepare you for a successful career in ecology or conservation, equipped with both technical and transferable skills.

As part of Coventry University's 2030 strategy, this course aims to:

• Continue providing high-quality education in Ecology and Conservation.

• Help you understand the methods and ideas needed to study and explain ecological systems and relationships.

• Encourage you to pursue specific interests in ecology, whether that’s in different ecosystems, species, or conservation strategies.

• Provide a curriculum that’s up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

• Give you an educational experience that helps you develop professional skills and succeed in your future career.

• Ensure you understand the moral and ethical responsibilities involved, especially when conducting research or fieldwork.

Why you should study this course?

Our Environment degree courses have a strong focus on careers and employability. As part of the four-year sandwich degree, you’ll have the chance to spend your third year either gaining professional experience through a work placement or studying abroad.

You’ll also have the opportunity to start working towards becoming a Chartered Ecologist through the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

We have strong industry links and partnerships with environmental organisations, offering networking opportunities, placements and real-world experience.
The teaching approach is hands-on, inclusive, and focused on real-world applications. You’ll use the University’s facilities like labs, the Simulation Centre, and the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) suite. There will also be opportunities for fieldwork, both locally and internationally, as well as external visits.
Learn from highly qualified staff, who have sector leading research and former professionals, where they bring real-world expertise and insights into their teaching.

A common first year with an interdisciplinary approach lets you explore different areas of ecology, conservation and environmental science, giving you time to figure out your interests and keeps your options open.

If you have a disability, we can make reasonable adjustments to ensure you meet your learning goals. This could include virtual fieldwork, desk-based research, or using the Simulation Centre to ensure everyone can participate fully.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses:
Geography BA (Hons)
Geography BSc (Hons)
Geography and Environmental Hazards BSc (Hons)
Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc (Hons)
Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods can include:

Formal examinations
Phase tests
Essays
Group work
Presentations
Reports
Projects
Coursework
Exams
Individual Assignments
Laboratories

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.