UWE Bristol - MSci Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science with Foundation Year

UWE Bristol

MSci Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science with Foundation Year

Make a difference to wildlife conservation on this specially designed integrated master's, run in partnership with Bristol Zoo.

Why study wildlife ecology and conservation?

Conserving biodiversity and avoiding the mass extinction of species are huge global challenges.

Understanding global biodiversity, and the effects of habitat loss and climate change, is crucial in helping us find new and better ways to conserve wildlife both in the UK and around the world.

The skills, scientific knowledge and research experience you'll gain will put you in an unrivalled position for securing work in this field.

Why UWE Bristol?

MSci Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science is a five-year (six with placement year) course that explores wildlife conservation issues at local, national and global levels. Created in partnership with Bristol Zoo Gardens, it gives you unique access to the zoo's facilities and expertise.

Mixing theory with practice, along with opportunities to conduct your own original research, you'll delve into the relationship between wildlife and society, and the impact of human activities on the living world.

Hone your professional skills in natural habitats close to Bristol, including the Severn Estuary, the Cotswolds woodlands and grasslands, the Somerset Levels and Avon Gorge.

Tap into our many links with local conservation organisations, and go on placements, volunteering, field-based work and residential trips in the UK and overseas.

Choose our sandwich course option to spend your third year on a work placement in this country, Europe or further afield, applying your knowledge to topical conservation issues.

Carry out your own extended research project, working within a UWE-based research team, industry, government or an NGO. Gain master's-level research-skills, including project management, science communication and outreach skills. 

Get first-hand experience of practical tools for wildlife conservation such as eDNA, measuring environmental radiation, using UAVs (drones), and other advanced survey techniques.

Explore the steps that can be taken to alleviate biodiversity decline, and get the strong foundation you need for a career in ecological research or conservation.

We are pleased to inform you that Bristol Zoo Gardens plans to expand as they move to their Wild Place in the next few years. This relocation will enable their team to develop future facing wildlife conservation projects and education facilities. This puts UWE Bristol in the unique position of being co-creators of this state-of-the-art facility, providing exciting new opportunities for you as a wildlife conservation student.

Where can it take me?

This course is for people who are passionate about wildlife conservation and want to make a difference through sound science and research.

You could work in national and international wildlife conservation, conservation consultancy, media and wildlife film-making, wildlife and enterprise, or conservation education. 

You'll also be well prepared for a career in research or a PhD. 

Longer term, you could work as a lecturer, industry, NGO, government or senior consultancy scientist, science communicator or conservation specialist advisor.

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 48
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: A minimum of an AS in a Science subject.
  • Relevant subjects: Subjects that meet the Science requirement for this course: Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths. Use of Maths, Physics, Psychology, Science in the Environment, Statistics.

Career Prospects

By the end of the course, you'll be well set up for working with national and international conservation organisations, or ecological consultants such as Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust and other non-government organisations (NGOs).

Practical experience in plant and animal survey work, competency at mapping (GIS) and knowledge of monitoring protected species such as great crested newts, reptiles, bats, badgers or water voles are especially valuable in finding rewarding jobs.

If you're interested in conservation education, there are opportunities with the Field Studies Council and other educational organisations.

Course Details

If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.

Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a placement learning or learning and development module.

Year 0 Foundation Year

Biology in Practice
Chemistry in Practice
Skills for Science
People and Science.

Year 1

Life on Earth
The Earth
Wildlife and Society
Field Skills.

Year 2

Environmental and Field Techniques (includes residential trip, where possible)
Conservation in Practice
Ecology and Ecosystem Protection.

Optional modules
Plant Growth and Survival
The Microbial World
Wildlife Ecology

Placement year

Year 3

Research Project or Dissertation Project
Contemporary Conservation Science.

Optional modules
Global Forest Systems
Marine Ecosystems
Professional Practice in Applied Sciences
Primate Ecology and Conservation
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Science Communications
Sustainable Food Production
Tropical Expedition
Wildlife, Crime and Forensics
Wildlife, Film and Media.

Final Year

Research With Impact
Sustainable Futures
Research in Practice.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

Are you ready to start building your future?

Contact our admission counseller and get a free consultation.