
Ecology BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Ecology BSc (Hons)
Interested in wildlife and natural ecosystems, the relationship between the natural world and people, the impacts of climate change and other environmental problems?
If you answered yes to the above question, an Ecology degree at Aberdeen will enable you to explore the science of all these topics, taught by experts who are actively involved in ecological research and its applications to environmental management and nature conservation. It will also provide you with opportunities to gain practical field experience in Scotland and abroad, on field trips, expeditions and thro...
Interested in wildlife and natural ecosystems, the relationship between the natural world and people, the impacts of climate change and other environmental problems? <br/><br/>If you answered yes to the above question, an Ecology degree at Aberdeen will enable you to explore the science of all these topics, taught by experts who are actively involved in ecological research and its applications to environmental management and nature conservation. It will also provide you with opportunities to gain practical field experience in Scotland and abroad, on field trips, expeditions and through doing your own research project.<br/><br/>Our graduates have proven that an Aberdeen Ecology degree gives students a great start for careers in which they can make a difference to the world, working in wildlife research, nature conservation, environmental protection, environmental education and science communication.<br/><br/><strong>Combine practice and theory</strong><br/><br/>Typically, one third of your class time is practical and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits. Most students take at least one residential field trip during their degree; these trips bring the subjects to life and provide the opportunity to make great friendships and get to know staff members.<br/><br/><strong>Research experience</strong><br/><br/>You are actively involved in scientific research throughout your degree. In Year 4, you conduct independent research which can be pivotal to your career choice, whether it be in dolphins, water voles, rare plants, tropical forest ecology, climate change in the Arctic, or any one of a diverse range of other exciting topics.<br/><br/><strong>Engaging and inspiring teaching</strong><br/><br/>Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn. For example, we use problem-based learning approaches, creative presentations, peer and self-assessment, presenting posters in public meetings, writing and editing wikis, writing grant proposals, science writing for publication, and the creation of portfolios using multi-media.<br/><br/><strong>Opportunities for Study Abroad and work-related learning</strong><br/><br/>You can take advantage of an optional year-out on a work placement and study abroad is encouraged for students in their 2nd year. We invite employers and volunteering organisations to come and meet our students at our career evenings and there are opportunities for students to work with our partner institutions within and outside of Aberdeen.
Course Information
1 option available
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
D430
Institution Code
A20
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
B,B,B,B
A minimum of 4 H at BBBB (C at AH may substitute for B at H) obtained at a single sitting or a minimum of 5H at AAABB obtained over 2 sittings. Must achieve at least BB from two science or mathematics subjects. Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3 or Int 2, or National 5 at grades A, B or C in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
A minimum of 32 points, with a minimum of 5 points at HL required from 2 Science or Maths subjects. For Second Year entry: a minimum of 34 points with a minimum of 6 at HL in the subject(s) nominated for Honours. A minimum of Standard Level English and Maths also required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
A minimum of DDM with the main subjects being Science or Maths. Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
5 subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. 2 Science or Mathematics subjects required at minimum H3.
Scottish Advanced Higher
A,B,B
For Second Year entry a minimum of 3 AH at ABB, a minimum of two must be Science or Maths subjects (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours). Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3 or Int 2, or National 5 at grades A, B or C in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.
Scottish HNC
Pass
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points) - B in Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Statistics for Science 1 (H8XT 33) and Ecology & Ecosystems (H93A34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course. For entry to Year 2 - Satisfactory completion of HNC Animal Care (120 SCQF credit points) - B in Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course.
Scottish HND
Pass
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Animal Care (240 SCQF credit points) - B in Graded Unit 1 and A in Graded Unit 2 - Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course and Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021). For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Applied Sciences (240 SCQF credit points) - B in Graded Unit 1 and A in Graded Unit 2 - either Ecology unit (H39A 34) or Aberdeen University Online Introductory Ecology Course and either Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021).
A level
B,B,C
A minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC - at least 2 from Science or Maths subjects. To be considered for entry into Second Year, a minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB, with AB from 2 science or maths subjects (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours - an A in the subject for Single Honours or AB in the subjects for Joint Honours). Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.
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Fees and funding
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