Ecology

Ecology focuses on the interactions between organisms and their environment. Knowledge of these interactions underpins our understanding of how wildlife will respond to current and future environmental threats, including pollution, climate change, invasive species and habitat destruction. Our mission is to train the next generation that will respond to these issues, identifying solutions and conserving biodiversity into the future.

Aberystwyth is the place to study Ecology because we have passionate teaching staff that conduct research in all areas of ecology and in different parts of the world, a focus on field skills and learning by experience; direct access to some wonderful locations and habitats, including the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, and Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks and international field courses and training opportunities.

Learn and live in an area of outstanding beauty that offers access to local ecology but also environmental and recreational opportunities that suite the outdoor person. You will be taught by award-winning ecologists on modules that target knowledge and skills in surveying, identifying and mitigating climate change impacts, habitat restoration, biodiversity assessment and conservation, an environmental consultancy. Be a student in a world-renowned teaching and research Institute with unrivalled wildlife and countryside on your doorstep.

Your first year will provide a broad grounding in biology, and training in the skills needed to succeed in your studies. Subject areas covered will include the Biosphere, ecology, animal physiology, diversity of microbial life, plant biology, conservation of wildlife, and the study and management of habitats. In your second year, you will be offered specialist modules including how climate change impacts on ecosystems, geographic information systems, freshwater biology, bird biodiversity, habitat assessment and organism ID (UK and international); vertebrates, understanding invertebrates and ecological monitoring. In your third year, subject areas offered include: Population and community ecology; wildlife conservation; habitat assessment and organism ID (International); environmental protection and law; sustainability; ecological monitoring; environmental consultancy and independent research in a topic of your choice. The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals.

Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with skills including research and data analysis skills; enhanced mathematical and computational skills; effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills; a thorough grounding in information technology skills; the ability to work independently; time-management and organisational skills; including the ability to meet deadlines; the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form; self-motivation and self-reliance and team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

Upon completion of the degree students can engage in careers in the following areas: Wildlife and Conservation officer, Biodiversity assessor and Habitat surveyor, Site Manager, Education and public engagement, Environmental Consultancy, Ecological Research - graduate position, PhD researcher.