BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology covers terrestrial, marine and freshwater systems, from microbes to the largest organisms, and the role of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functions and services. Students build theoretical, practical and data-handling skills, with the opportunity to train in tropical marine biology.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Molecular Cell Biology, Animal Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Genetics and Evolution, Plant Biology and Ecosystems, Microbiology and Quantitative Methods for Life Sciences. Later modules include Biodiversity: From Genes to Ecosystems, Professional Skills for Ecological and Marine Scientists, Molecular Ecology, Biogeography and a Research Project in Life Sciences.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue careers in the environment (ecology, conservation, sustainability), marine biology (research, conservation, fisheries), postgraduate research, and education including science communication and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, plus 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including C in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Life and Health Sciences or Marine Science. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 4 in Higher Level Biology; the GCSE Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard level Maths, 2 in Higher level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. T-levels in Science are considered case by case; T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science are not accepted. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including C in Biology or equivalent. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,600 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year)

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