Course summary

Understanding how to tackle environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, unsustainable use of resources has become the important challenge of our century. We need to understand how we can effectively conserve species and their habitats. This course gives a theoretical grounding in how ecological systems work and a practical understanding of the issues surrounding environmental conservation. You’ll learn key skills needed by conservation professionals for monitoring habitats and species and how these need to consider social and economic factors for successful conservation. Successful conservation relies on an interdisciplinary approach. Our supportive, friendly and accessible staff have a range of expertise covering conservation, ecology, environmental science, forestry, and the social sciences. The Centre for Evidence Based Conservation, a world-recognised centre for translating conservation science into policy, is based here at Bangor. Our location, between the Menai Strait and Snowdonia National Park, offers unrivalled opportunities for learning about ecology, conservation and the natural environment outside the lecture theatre. Our courses are packed with field trips and practical sessions. We have close links with many of the local conservation organisations including Snowdonia National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales and the British Trust for Ornithology which help students gain understanding of conservation practice. We also have excellent links with conservation organisations throughout the world. Staff and students are currently working in Madagascar, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ghana, Kenya and Bangladesh for example. It is possible to take the course as either a three-year degree or over four years with a placement year working with a relevant conservation organisation in the UK or overseas. ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) F90F.