Ecology and Conservation

Ecology and conservation are among the most urgent applied sciences of our time, addressing the accelerating loss of biodiversity, the degradation of habitats and the challenge of managing ecosystems under the pressure of climate change and human activity. Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and with their physical environments, examining the processes that determine where species occur, how populations change over time and how energy and nutrients flow through ecosystems. Conservation biology applies ecological knowledge to the protection and restoration of species, habitats and ecological functions, asking what needs to be done and how best to do it.

At the University of Sussex this three-year, full-time programme equips you with the skills to tackle these challenges as a trained scientist and practitioner. You will study ecological principles, evolutionary biology, conservation management, environmental monitoring, fieldwork techniques, data analysis and the social and policy dimensions of conservation work. The programme includes a foundation year for those who need additional preparation before the main degree content, a sandwich year placement, a year abroad and work placements, all of which give you direct experience in professional conservation settings and international ecological contexts.

Fieldwork is central to the discipline, and you will develop practical skills in species identification, habitat assessment, ecological survey methods and data collection that are valued by employers across the sector.

Graduates pursue careers in ecological consultancy, nature reserve management, wildlife conservation organisations, government environmental agencies, national parks, zoos, international NGOs, environmental impact assessment and the growing field of biodiversity net gain measurement. Many continue to postgraduate study in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or related areas, and some move into research, policy or science communication roles. The combination of scientific rigour, fieldwork skill and environmental commitment that the degree develops is the foundation for a rewarding career in one of the most important fields of the twenty-first century.