Ecology and Conservation Biology is vital for mitigating and solving some of the most challenging problems facing our planet, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable food production and the ecological and environmental impact of human activities. At York, you will learn how living creatures interact with one another and their environment, from the fundamentals of evolution to the structure of populations and communities at scales ranging from intracellular symbiosis to global ecosystems, with applications in conservation and environmental biology. Through the interdisciplinary teaching across the Departments of Biology and Environment and Geography you will learn how the earth’s biological systems respond to environmental change. Teaching on specialised modules, field courses and the final year capstone research project aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to generate creative solutions for the challenges facing our planet. Our innovative, evidenced-based teaching is strongly research-led and aligned to the global research challenges. A focus on creative problem solving and skills development will ensure you are well prepared and competitive for postgraduate study, science careers in ecological consultancy and conservation practice and for a wide range of other occupations and professions from management and finance, to journalism and teaching. We offer both BSc and MSci degrees in Ecology and Conservation Biology. Both degrees include field courses, residential and day trips. The BSc and MSci degrees can both be taken with either an additional year in industry, year abroad, or a placement year in an alternative work setting, and are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. The MSci adds an extra year to the BSc programmes and specifically focuses on the skills needed for a career as a research scientist, ecological consultant or conservation practitioner. During this time you will carry out further work with research scientists to learn about specialised techniques and approaches in ecological and conservation research as relates to the environment and ecosystems.
A Level: AAA | Essential Subjects: Biology and a second Science (or equivalent) are essential. We consider the following subjects as a second Science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. Information: Applicants taking Science A Levels that include a practical component will be required to pass. | We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless additional A Levels (or equivalent qualifications) in Biology and a second science or mathematics subject have been taken. | Scottish Higher | Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements. | Access to HE Diploma: 39 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 6 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 39 credits at Distinction and 6 at Merit or higher including Biology and second Science-related units. | Scottish Advanced Higher | Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements. | Extended Project: B | If you achieve B or higher in your EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A Level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 36 UCAS points | With 5 in Higher Level Biology plus either 5 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 5 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: A | We will consider this qualification alongside or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications, as equivalent to one A Level. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDD | We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. A Level in Biology and a second Science (or equivalent qualification) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your BTEC as A Level Science equivalent. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2010 syllabus), please contact us for information on the units we accept. | OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDD | We consider a range of OCR qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. A Level in Biology and a second Science (or equivalent qualification) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your OCR Cambridge Technical as A Level Science equivalent. | OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma: DD | Plus A at A Level. Biology and a second Science (or equivalent) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your CTEC Technical Diploma as Biology and a second science equivalent. Please contact us for information on the approved science CTEC subjects we accept. | OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate: D | Plus AA at A Level. Biology and a second Science (or equivalent) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your CTEC as A Level Science equivalent. Please contact us for information on the approved science CTEC subjects we accept. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | Plus A at A Level. Biology and a second Science (or equivalent) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your BTEC National Diploma as Biology and a second science equivalent. Please contact us for information on the approved science BTEC subjects we accept. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | Plus AA at A Level. BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology or A Level in Biology plus a second Science (or equivalent qualification) are essential. We may also consider relevant units in your BTEC as A Level Science equivalent. Please contact us for information on the approved science BTEC subjects we accept.
Please note these fees are for 2026 entry. Fees for 2027 entry are yet to be confirmed and will be updated as soon as possible. For additional information please see our web pages at: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-funding/ — UG Standard Band 4 2027 entry
Comparing courses? Match them against your grades.
Open the course explorer