Ecology and Conservation

Are you interested in exploring how we can conserve species, habitats, landscapes, and ecosystems? Discover the science behind society’s ecological and conservation challenges, and hone your practical skills through fieldwork, laboratory activities, and work placement opportunities on our Ecology and Conservation BSc. You'll graduate equipped with the expertise needed for roles such as ecological consultant, nature conservation officer, or conservation research scientist, positioning you to make a meaningful impact in the field of ecology and conservation.

Why choose this course?
• Top 20 in the UK for Earth and marine sciences (Guardian University League Table, 2025)



• Tackle a real-world ecology project and contribute to positive change



• International year and work placement options



• Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork



• This programme is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)



Do you have a passion for science and a drive to tackle some of the world’s most urgent ecological and conservation challenges? Our Ecology and Conservation degree provides you with the expertise to understand these complex issues and explore innovative solutions.

You will build a solid foundation in ecology and conservation in your first year, preparing you for advanced study in years two and three.

Key topics covered on the programme include conservation policy, sustainability, the crisis in biodiversity, human impact on the environment and how animals adapt to changing environmental conditions. You’ll develop crucial research skills, enhance your data handling, analysis and statistical abilities, and gain confidence applying new technologies and using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in an ecology and conservation context.

Employability is embedded into our curriculum, with a strong emphasis on developing practical skills, equipping you with up-to-date methods and techniques needed for future employment. You’ll gain hands-on experience using equipment, samples and digital resources in our state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories and master a range of fieldwork skills through various residential and one day field courses in diverse ecosystems.

Our programme offers study abroad and work placement options along with strong links with the ecology and conservation industry. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC), highly regarded by employers. Keele is a leader in sustainability education and our campus acts as a ‘living laboratory’ with 600 acres of natural environments for fieldwork. From our lake system and extensive woodlands to the mining and industrial heritage of the local area, we offer opportunities to study in an authentic environment while practicing sustainability, preparing you to thrive in your future career.

About Keele
Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Career focused courses, a vibrant student community and a beautiful 600-acre campus – this is Keele.

Whether you’re a passionate natural scientist, or eager to explore law, business, humanities or social sciences, our innovative courses are designed with your future in mind. Many of our courses offer a placement opportunity – just one of our initiatives that prepare you for real-world success.

Recognised for outstanding student experience and teaching quality, we were ranked a Top 10 UK university for student satisfaction across 15 subjects (National Student Survey 2025, broad-based English universities) and achieved Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2017 and 2023).

Located in the Staffordshire countryside, but within easy reach of a bustling town, vibrant city and our noisy neighbours of Manchester and Birmingham, Keele truly offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit campus community and an exciting local area to explore.

We’d love to see you on campus soon.