The study of nature and ecology in Wales is offered by the country's leading universities, combining quality education, the prestige of the British higher education system and the opportunity to study ecology in a unique natural region.
Ecology focuses on the interactions between organisms and their environment. Knowledge of these interactions is at the heart of our understanding of how wildlife responds to current and future environmental threats: pollution, climate change, habitat destruction. The task of programs with the study of nature and ecology is to prepare next generation to respond to these problems, find solutions, and preserve biodiversity.
The study of the environment and ecology in Wales allows you to practice, live, study in an area of outstanding beauty, explore the local ecosystem, and also opens up opportunities for informal acquaintance with the environment, for active recreation.
Benefits of studying ecology in Wales
- Award-winning ecologists teach students skills in studying, identifying, mitigating climate change, habitat restoration, assessment, biodiversity conservation, and environmental counselling.
- You will become students of leading educational, educational and research universities, study the local wildlife and countryside.
- The education will provide extensive knowledge in biology, the skills necessary for a successful career. The thematic areas covered include the biosphere, ecology, animal physiology, microbial life diversity, plant biology, wildlife conservation, and habitat study and management. Specialized modules explore how climate change affects ecosystems, geographic information systems, freshwater biology, bird biodiversity, habitat assessment, and identification of organisms.
- Universities in Wales maintain links with influential international and national organizations: Natural Resources Wales, the British Mammal Society, the National Wetlands Centre of Wales.
Employment prospects
The Environmental Studies programmes of the Universities of Wales offer a full range of skills to pursue a successful career in biology and ecology.
Areas of employment for graduates of specialties with the study of ecology and the environment:
- Ecologist
- Project Manager
- Wildlife, Education Officer
- Specialist in Wildlife, Nature Conservation
- Biodiversity Assessment Specialist
- Surveyor
- Environmental Consultant
- Researcher.
Best universities in Wales to study ecology
Bangor University
Advantages of studying at Bangor University
- Bangor University's location is ideal for fieldwork – just a few meters from the seashore, mountains, Snowdonia National Park.
- Close links with environmental organisations (Snowdonia Society, Natural Resources Wales, British Ornithology Trust) help to prepare graduates who are able to address the scientific foundations of sustainable natural resource management, as well as the environmental implications of policy, management decisions regarding land and water use, industry in the public and private sectors.
- Bangor University offers access to a wide range of natural environments, ranging from the coast to the diverse landscape of Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining, quarries. Field visits occupy a significant place in the course.
Bangor University Ecology Courses
- Environmental Science, Bachelor, BSc/MEnvSci, duration 3 years. This course brings together information on a wide range of subjects: climate change, pollution, conservation, food security.
The program is based on biology (gives an understanding of the structure of living organisms, their communities), chemistry (knowledge of natural ecological processes, pollution), Earth sciences (experience on a global scale), as well as land and water management. The study of subject areas is combined with many practical exercises and excursions.
- Wildlife Conservation, Bachelor, 3 years. This degree forms an understanding of all aspects of the science of wildlife conservation, including the fundamental principles of ecology, evolution, and environmental management. The program develops intellectual and practical skills, improves communication and IT abilities, interpersonal skills, self-management, professionalism in the context of wildlife conservation.
The course forms an understanding of the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study and management of wildlife, highlights issues related to monitoring, management of wildlife in terms of its intrinsic value as a natural resource that must be used in a sustainable, ethical way.
- Conservation with Forestry, Bachelor's Degree, BSc, 3 G. Forests are the most biologically diverse terrestrial ecosystem, which contains a significant part of the world's diversity of animal and plant species. The programme provides an understanding of biodiversity, the modes of impact, the role that forests play in reducing the impact of human activities, including climate change. Students study the principles of biological protection, forest ecology, functions of forest ecosystems, forest management, environmental mechanisms. In the second year there is an opportunity to study abroad at a partner university. The university is located in beautiful locations in North Wales; educational courses combine lectures, seminars, practical classes, visits to forests, other habitats.
The degree is accredited by the Institute of Certified Foresters, gives the opportunity to partially join the professional community. The university annually conducts week-long field courses to hon the skills of site observation and data collection. The university cooperates and introduces students to such organizations as Natural Resources Wales, Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Forest Research.
- Geography with Environmental Forestry, Bachelor's Degree, BSc, 3 g. The program combines the development of an understanding of the physical processes that shape the world, the relationship between man and the environment, how sustainable management of environmental resources helps society. A key role in these processes is played by the world's forests, which are vital to the global ecosystem and cover 30% of the land area.
Students develop universal knowledge and skills, prepare for forest management. Programs focus on field visits, open up employment opportunities through professional internships.
- Marine Environmental Studies, Bachelor's degree, BSc, 3 years, Marine Environment Studies are designed for students interested in marine environment science, management, policy. The integrated marine sciences course includes all aspects of the marine system – physical, chemical, biological, geological, as well as coastal zone management, environmental policy, sustainable development. The course covers the entire oceanic system, but the focus is on the coastal and offshore seas, as they are the center of socio-economic activity, most susceptible to climatic, anthropogenic changes. The course is suitable for students with and without basic scientific education.
- Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology, Bachelor's Degree, BSc, 3 years. The program teaches how to apply environmental sciences to the real needs of sustainable management, conservation of natural resources in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Modern thinking in the field of environmental management recognizes the need for holistic practices that take into account the relationship between terrestrial and aquatic environments. In addition to studying fundamental ecology, you will develop skills that will allow you to assess the impact of political decisions on management methods.
- Marine Biology and Zoology, Bachelor's Degree, BSc, 3 years. The program covers animals, algae, plants, microbial life in the seas, their interaction, land animals. The degree provides a broad overview of the diversity of wildlife and ecosystems on the planet – from mountains to deep-sea troughs. The course shows how the interaction between animals and their environment is equally applicable to marine, terrestrial, freshwater habitats. You will get acquainted with the basics of biology, ecology, evolution of marine organisms, all groups of animals, consider more applied aspects such as aquaculture, fisheries, parasitology, immunology.
