Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Integrated Foundation Year with Sandwich Placement

Do you have a passion for wildlife and the natural environment? Do you want to be part of the solution to global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss? Then the BSc (Hons) Ecology and Wildlife Conservation programme at the University of Cumbria is the perfect degree programme for you! Delivered from the heart of the English Lake District, we are the only UK University campus in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park. The programme meets rigorous professional and educational standards to provide you with a unique and exciting university experience, supported by research active lecturers working in the UK and internationally. We have great facilities to support your hands-on learning, such as dedicated laboratory space, a university-owned woodland, powerboats to explore lake environments and established connections with local partners. Not only do we have these resources to support your time in class, students in Ambleside can also access a range of outdoor, adventure equipment to make the most of the wonderful location in your own time, once you have the appropriate training of course!

Course Overview
Climate change and biodiversity loss are increasingly affecting life on Earth and the health and wellbeing of ecosystems and people. This course equips you, the workforce of the future, with the knowledge and skills needed to address the pressing environmental challenges facing society and global ecosystems.

The programme will support you to develop the knowledge, understanding, practical experience, digital and transferable skills needed for a successful career in the rapidly growing environmental industry and other areas of graduate employment. You will learn about fundamental ecology and the processes that drive global systems which affect all forms of life on Earth and the science that underpins wildlife conservation efforts worldwide.

On this course you will...
• Develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of ecology and wildlife conservation to prepare you for a rewarding career in the environmental sector.



• Enjoy living and studying in our friendly and welcoming community amid one of the most beautiful and inspiring parts of the UK.



• Our internationally recognised research active staff bring cutting edge knowledge and partner perspectives to provide an exceptional, personalised university experience; informed by professional ecological standards and practices.



• The programme is designed to meet environmental professional standards (set out by CIEEM), and includes over 180 hours of high-quality practical activity in the field and laboratory.



• Opportunities to engage in professional development activity through volunteering, internships and sandwich placements with our extensive network of partnership organisations nationally and internationally.



• Great employment prospects – overall, 97.3% of UoC graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, ranking us 12th nationally (HESA, 2023).

With campuses in the Lake District, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow, and London, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, supportive communities, and real opportunities.

With strong links to law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies, and employers nationwide, we connect your learning directly to your future career.

Ranked the No. 1 university in the Northwest and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97.5% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2026), Cumbria is a university focused on your future from day one.