This four-year course aims to give you an understanding of how life on this planet works and changes, and how organisms, plants and animal species react with one another within the ecosystems around us. You will explore topics ranging from the molecular genetics of populations, plant science and animal behaviour, to environmental management, biodiversity and conservation – and explore some of these within a socio-economic and political context. 

You could be discussing the theories behind evolution or behaviour in a seminar one day, and experiencing the subject first-hand in the laboratory the next. Here in the lab, you’ll develop techniques to explore ecology, from microbes and parasites to model organisms. 

You’ll get out into the natural environment too – gaining confidence in practical field skills, survey techniques and field projects. You can choose to join one of our residential field trips to Europe or go further afield in a sub-tropical climate (currently Kenya, eSwatini or Peru) to test your skills in a totally different environment. 

Your third year will see you travel again, to Australasia, North America or Europe, where you will live and study, immersed in a new culture with its intriguing ecological differences. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your thinking, make valuable connections with partner universities and see the world. You will then return to UEA to complete the final year of your degree. 

In your final year you will take your learning to the next level by developing your own unique, independent research, working with one of our world-leading team of researchers to understand an ecological system using the latest scientific techniques. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

On this course you will enhance your studies by spending your third year studying at a university in Australasia, North America or Europe. You will then return to UEA to complete the final year of your degree. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a new culture, see new ecological problems and solutions first hand and make connections with partner universities across the world. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You will graduate as a skilled ecologist ready to take advantage of East Anglia’s wealth of varied habitats, or range further afield. Either way, you’ll be able to use what you have learned at UEA to make a real difference. 

You could go on to a career in many different areas – from ecological research, agriculture and horticulture to environmental management, consultancy and conservation. You might also consider education or science communication and engagement. Many of our students progress to postgraduate study. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Examples of careers that you could enter include: 

• Ecological research 

• Agriculture and horticulture 

• Environmental management and conservation 

• Science communication and engagement 

• Education