Undergraduate Study
Course Information
study conservation biology and management and graduate with a university degree
The contemporary world is one of rapidly increasing human interference in natural environments and of competition for space and resources. Some species and habitats are disappearing before they can even be studied properly. As a result, understanding the complex inter-relationships between environments and their inhabitants is vital. It enables us to undertake environmental conservation and sustainable management for the benefit of future generations.
Stirling is a superb place to study this. The city is home to more environmental and conservation organisations than any other UK city – all of whom we have strong links with and some of whom are based at the University. With this programme, you’ll receive excellent practical training and preparation for a range of careers in conservation.
BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology and Management
UCAS Code CD14
Entrance Requirements
Year 1
Highers BBCC.
A-levels CCC or a combination of A2 and AS levels, VCE and VDA.
IB Diploma with a total of 26 points.
HNC or HND with Bs in Graded Units.
Access courses and other UK/EU and international qualifications are also welcomed.
Year 2
A-levels or Advanced Highers BBB, including Biology and one of Geography, Geology or Environmental Science.
Some HNDs in related subjects may be considered on an individual basis with Bs in Graded Units.
General Entrance Requirements apply.
International students can study our Undergraduate Certificate if they do not possess the necessary entrance requirements to be admitted directly to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.
Required Subjects
One of Geography, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics at Higher (B), A-level (C), IB Higher Level at 4 or equivalent.
Other qualifications not mentioned above must include science-based subjects.
Mathematics Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), or GCSE (C) or equivalent. English Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent.
Applicants with English Standard Grade (3) will also be considered, although alternative entry conditions may be made in this case.
Modes of Study
Full-time (3 modules per semester).
Part-time (1 or 2 modules per semester).
| contact us > > > |
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Dr Kirsty Park |
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Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467799 |
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Email: k.j.park@stir.ac.uk |
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Web: www.sbes.stir.ac.uk |
Degree Programmes
Semesters 1 - 4
In Years 1 and 2 you will take core modules in:
- Biological Sciences: Ecology, Biodiversity, Cell Biology, Physiology
- Environmental Sciences: People and the Environment, Global Environmental Issues, The Biosphere, either Earth and Landscape Evolution or Introduction to Aquatic Environments
- Practical Skills in the Natural Sciences and Quantitative Techniques
You also take a further module, either in Genes and Evolution or Aquatic Environments.
Semesters 5 - 6
In Year 3, you will take advanced modules in:
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Field and Laboratory Techniques
You will also take between two and four modules from a wide range of options: Soil Quality & Protection, Animal Physiology, Animal Ecology, Plant Ecology & Physiology, Marine Biology, Drainage Basins, Environmental Hazards, Soil, Sediments & Landscape History or the Field Course in Spain (see below).
Students on programmes in Conservation Biology & Management undertake a four-week placement during the summer vacation between years 3 and 4 working with an organisation involved in conservation.
Semesters 7 - 8
In your final year you will undertake an independent research project and can choose to go on the field course to Switzerland (see below). You will also take four or six modules from a range of options which currently include:
- Conservation Biology*
- Conservation Management*
- Restoration Ecology
- Conservation Genetics
- Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics
- Sustainable Development
- Agriculture in the 21st Century
- Geographical Information Systems
- Remote Sensing
- Reconstructing Quaternary Environments
* These modules are required
Fieldwork is an essential and enjoyable part of this degree programme. Stirling’s campus location is an ideal base from which to make field excursions, whether to study lekking Black Grouse in the Highlands, the growth of trees on the sides of the Ochil Hills, or the distribution of animals on the Forth Estuary. As well as fieldwork in Scotland, the Conservation Biology & Management (Hons) programme includes field courses to Spain and/or Switzerland. Students attending the week-long field course in Spain stay near Almeria, one of the driest parts of Europe. Through a series of excursions and intensive field projects students are introduced to environmental processes in arid environments. The 10-day field course in ecology and animal biology takes place in the Alps of central Switzerland. Students learn various techniques in field sampling, experimental design, data analysis and presentation. The remote field station is situated near several sites of significant conservation importance, including protected alpine moor and alpine forest, and historical reintroduction sites for Ibex and Lynx.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is delivered in the form of formal lectures and practical classes, tutorials, seminars, computer-based learning and guided reading and research. Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination, completed during semester. For many modules the marks awarded for coursework contribute 40 – 50 percent of the final grade but for some modules this is as high as 100 percent.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Students can spend all or part of their third year abroad. There is a well-established reciprocal exchange programme with the University of Guelph in Canada where you will take subjects equivalent to those at Stirling. In addition, there are exchange opportunities with a range of universities in the USA, Australia and Europe.
Career Opportunities
The School of Biological & Environmental Sciences has strong links with conservation bodies such as Scottish Natural Heritage and various Conservation Non-Government Organisations, such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), British Trust for Ornithology, Bumblebee Conservation Trust. There is an active Conservation Volunteers group at the University, enabling you to develop and expand your experience of survey work and other practical skills.
Demand for well-qualified graduates in Conservation is high and our students have gone on to work for a wide range of employers in the UK, including Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB and the wildlife trusts as well as environmental consultancies. Other students have gone on to work overseas or to postgraduate research leading to a doctorate.
