Ecology

Why study Ecology with Year in Industry at Aberystwyth?

• Learn and live in an area of outstanding beauty that offers access to local ecology but also environmental and recreational opportunities that suite the outdoor person.
• You will be taught by award-winning ecologists on modules that target knowledge and skills in surveying, identifying and mitigating climate change impacts, habitat restoration, biodiversity assessment and conservation, environmental consultancy. Be a student in a world-renowned teaching and Research Institute.
• Unrivalled wildlife and countryside on your doorstep.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

After completion of the degree students can engage in careers in the following areas:

• Wildlife and Conservation officer
• Biodiversity assessor and Habitat surveyor
• Site Manager
• Education and public engagement
• Environmental Consultancy
• Ecological Research –graduate position
• Ph.D. researcher

How will my degree prepare me for the future?

Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with the skills including:  

• research and data analysis skills
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• a thorough grounding in information technology skills
• the ability to work independently
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

Your first year will provide a broad grounding in biology, and training in the skills needed to succeed in your studies. Subject areas covered will include:

• The Biosphere
• Ecology
• Animal Physiology
• Diversity of Microbial Life
• Plant Biology
• Conservation of wildlife
• The study and management of habitats
• The study and management of habitats

In your second you will be offered specialist modules including:

• Climate change impacts on ecosystems
• Geographic Information Systems
• Freshwater Biology
• Bird biodiversity
• Habitat assessment and organism ID (UK and international)
• Vertebrates
• Understanding invertebrates
• Ecological Monitoring 

In your third year, subject areas offered include:

• Population and Community ecology
• Wildlife conservation
• Habitat assessment and organism ID (International)
• Environmental Protection and Law
• Sustainability
• Ecological Monitoring 
• Environmental Consultancy
• Independent research in a topic of your choice

How will I be taught?

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals. You will be assessed through;

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Dossiers
• Posters
• Portfolios
• Wikis
• Reflective diaries
• Literature reviews
• Magazine articles
• Field notebooks
• Exams

Pippa - BSc Ecology

"The Ecology course at Aberystwyth has provided me with a good set of skills which I can utilise and apply to my current role. The field work part of many modules within the Ecology degree scheme has ensured that I have experience of working in outdoor environments, a necessity for many ecological careers."

Alex - BSc Ecology

"I am very pleased I chose the degree scheme. Interesting content throughout, great support from the lecturers, and comprehensive feedback. A great choice, no regrets."