Do you have a passion for science and a drive to tackle some of the world’s most urgent ecological and conservation challenges Our BSc in Ecology and Conservation provides you with the expertise to understand these complex issues and explore innovative solutions.You will build a solid foundation in ecology and conservation in your first year, preparing you for advanced study in years two and three.Key topics covered on the programme include conservation policy, sustainability, the crisis in biodiversity, human impact on the environment and how animals adapt to changing environmental conditions. You’ll develop crucial research skills, enhance your data handling, analysis and statistical abilities, and gain confidence applying new technologies and using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in an ecology and conservation context. Employability is embedded into our curriculum, with a strong emphasis on developing practical skills, equipping you with up-to-date methods and techniques needed for future employment. You’ll gain hands-on experience using equipment, samples and digital resources in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs and master a range of fieldwork skills through various residential and one day field courses in diverse ecosystems. Our programme offers study abroad and work placement options along with strong links with the ecology and conservation industry. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC), highly regarded by employers. Keele is a leader in sustainability education and our campus acts as a ‘living laboratory’ with 600 acres of natural environments for fieldwork. From our lake system and extensive woodlands to the mining and industrial heritage of the local area, we offer opportunities to study in an authentic environment while practicing sustainability, preparing you to thrive in your future career.A work placement year between years two and three of your degree is a fantastic way to gain industry experience with an ecologically focused company or organisation, helping you to stand out in the competitive job market. Employers seek to recruit individuals with high-level subject knowledge and skills who also understand the workplace. Placements provide an insight into what it is like to work in a specific area of the industry and allow you to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and enable you to apply the skills and theory you’ve been learning. Alternatively, you could choose our optional flexible work placement module to gain further practical experience.Our foundation year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.