Conservation Biology BSc
Study of how to protect species, habitats, and ecosystems - combining science, fieldwork, and environmental action.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Environmentally passionate
Field-work enthusiast
Systems thinker
Determined advocate
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Environmental Conservation
Research & Academia
Government & Public Sector
Charity & NGO Sector
Is this for you?
Conservation Biology BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to protect species, habitats, and ecosystems - combining science, fieldwork, and environmental action.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is a Conservation Biology Degree?
Conservation Biology focuses on understanding and protecting the natural world. It combines ecology, genetics, geography, and environmental science to study biodiversity and develop solutions for conserving species and ecosystems.
Why Study Conservation Biology?
This degree is ideal if you love wildlife and nature and want to help address global challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. You’ll learn both the science behind conservation and the practical skills needed to protect the planet’s biodiversity.
Most Conservation Biology degrees cover:
Ecology and biodiversity
Animal and plant biology
Genetics and evolution
Environmental systems and climate science
Conservation management and restoration
Data analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Field and laboratory research methods
Later in your course, you can usually specialise - for example, in wildlife ecology, tropical biology, marine conservation, or environmental policy.
Biodiversity Assessment – identifying species and evaluating ecosystem health in field environments.
Population Monitoring – tracking wildlife numbers, dynamics, and conservation status.
Habitat Management – planning and implementing actions to restore or protect habitats.
Ecological Data Analysis – interpreting ecological and environmental datasets for evidence-based decisions.
Conservation Strategy Development – designing practical solutions to protect species and ecosystems.
A-levels or equivalent including two Science subjects (typically including Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, or Geography)
Show your passion for wildlife, nature, and sustainability.
Mention volunteering, field trips, or conservation projects you’ve been involved in.
Reflect on how science can protect ecosystems and species.
Include examples such as biology coursework, outdoor experience, or environmental campaigns.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – The book that helped launch modern environmental awareness.
A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough – Reflections on biodiversity and sustainability.
Conservation Biology for All by Navjot Sodhi and Paul Ehrlich – A practical and global introduction to conservation science.
Wilding by Isabella Tree – A real-world story of rewilding and ecosystem restoration in the UK.
Compare courses to find those focusing more on ecology, genetics, or environmental management.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore field facilities and laboratories.
Volunteer with conservation charities or local wildlife groups.
Read about global environmental challenges and conservation successes.
Wildlife Conservation - Conservation officer, wildlife manager, species conservation specialist, wildlife project coordinator
Habitat Management - Habitat restoration specialist, nature reserve manager, protected area manager, land management advisor
Conservation Organizations - Conservation charity worker, project officer (conservation), campaign coordinator, fundraising officer (conservation)
Environmental Consultancy - Ecological consultant, conservation consultant, environmental impact assessor, biodiversity officer
Marine Conservation - Marine conservation officer, marine protected areas manager, coastal conservation specialist, fisheries conservation officer
Research & Monitoring - Conservation scientist, wildlife surveyor, biodiversity monitoring officer, conservation research assistant
Government & Policy - Biodiversity policy advisor, conservation planning officer, protected species officer, environmental enforcement officer
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want senior conservation roles, project management positions, policy work, or research careers.
No, if you're going into field assistant work, ranger roles, environmental education, or entry-level conservation positions.
Popular Masters Options
Conservation Science/Conservation Biology (MSc) – 1 year Advanced ecology, conservation planning, GIS. NGOs, consultancy, government agencies. £22,000-£32,000 career range.
Conservation Management (MSc) – 1 year Project management, stakeholder engagement, practical conservation. Charities, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts.
Ecosystem Management/Restoration Ecology (MSc) – 1 year Habitat restoration, rewilding, ecosystem services.
Wildlife Management (MSc) – 1 year Species monitoring, population management, conflict resolution.
Environmental Impact Assessment (MSc) – 1 year Development consultancy, planning, infrastructure projects. Better salaries (£25,000-£40,000).
Marine Conservation (MSc) – 1 year Ocean conservation, fisheries, marine protected areas.
GIS & Remote Sensing (MSc) – 1 year Spatial analysis, conservation mapping. High demand, consultancy, research.
PhD Routes
4 years, usually funded. For research-focused conservation careers, academic positions, or senior scientific roles in large NGOs.
Without a Masters
Entry routes available:
Conservation Field Officer (£18,000-£24,000)
Ranger/Warden (£20,000-£26,000)
Ecological Consultant (£22,000-£28,000 starting)
Environmental Educator (£20,000-£26,000)
Research Assistant (£22,000-£28,000)
Volunteer Coordinator (charities)
Species Survey Work (seasonal/contract)
Money Talk
Masters: £8,000-£15,000. Reality check: conservation jobs are competitive and often low-paid initially. Masters helps career progression but get field experience first (volunteer, internships). Many successful conservationists work up through experience rather than qualifications.
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