Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with Professional Experience

Ecology and wildlife conservation are among the most urgent scientific disciplines of our time. Ecology examines how organisms interact with one another and with their environments, how populations and communities are structured, and how energy and nutrients flow through ecosystems. Wildlife conservation applies ecological knowledge to the protection of species and habitats under threat, encompassing field survey, habitat management, species recovery programmes, policy development and international agreements.

Together these fields address the biodiversity crisis that is one of the defining challenges facing humanity.

At Reading, which has strong research links to conservation organisations and ecological research bodies, this four-year programme incorporates professional experience that gives you direct exposure to conservation practice. You will study animal and plant ecology, population biology, habitat management, conservation biology, field survey techniques, geographic information systems, environmental law and conservation policy. Fieldwork is central to the programme, and you will develop practical skills in species identification, ecological sampling and data analysis alongside your theoretical understanding.

The professional experience component means you will spend time working with a conservation organisation, adding direct practical weight to your academic training. The typical entry tariff is 136 UCAS points.

Graduates work in conservation organisations including charities, government agencies and international bodies, as well as in environmental consultancy, ecological surveying, national park management, nature reserve management, environmental impact assessment and research. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or wildlife management, going on to careers in academic research or specialist conservation roles. The combination of scientific knowledge and professional experience that this programme provides is increasingly expected by employers in a sector where competition for positions is strong.