BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement)
About this course
The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement) is an undergraduate degree in marine biology focused on the scientific study of natural habitats, biodiversity, and conservation practices. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students undertake a professional sandwich placement year during year three of the programme, and complete a final-year independent research project. The first year covers core scientific foundations through modules such as The Tree of Life, Essentials in Ecology, and Earth Systems. Year two advances these concepts with compulsory study in Research Design and Data Analysis, Ecological Census Techniques, and Geographical Information Systems, alongside optional choices including Animal Behaviour and Ecology and Marine and Freshwater Ecology. The final year focuses on advanced professional applications through modules such as Ecosystem Management, Environmental Philosophy, Policy and Practice, and Marine and Freshwater Conservation. The course includes extensive practical training, incorporating residential field trips and laboratory work.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
104-120 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table . Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range. GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4/C or above. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted. GCSEs: English, Maths and Science at C/4 or above. A-levels: BBC - BBB to include 32 points in Biology, Conservation, Environmental Science or Geography. T-levels: M – T Level Science is accepted for entry to this course. Access to HE: 21 credits at Distinction, 24 at Merit – Science based. Scottish Highers: BBBB-AABB to include Biology. Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 to include Biology, Conservation, Environmental Science or Geography. Other experience: City & Guilds Extended Diploma in Animal Management. Alternative routes: If you don’t think you’ll meet the criteria for this programme, check out our integrated foundation year. Selection criteria: As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.
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What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 55%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 8%
- North West: 46%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 2%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 50%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
- Other qualifications: 20%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- The Tree of Life
- Skills for Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
- Key Concepts in Conservation Science
- Essentials in Ecology
- Form and Function
- Earth Systems
- Research Design and Data Analysis
- Ecological Census Techniques
- Genetics and Evolution
- Geographical Information Systems
- Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
- Animal Behaviour and Ecology
- Marine and Freshwater Ecology
- Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Placement
- Dissertation
- Ecosystem Management
- Environmental Philosophy, Policy and Practice
- Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
- Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Behavioural Research in Conservation
- Marine and Freshwater Conservation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement) at University of Cumbria earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £31,500. The £26,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement) at University of Cumbria do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement) at University of Cumbria?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement) at University of Cumbria?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 99 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (With Sandwich Placement) at University of Cumbria?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.