Marine Ecology and Conservation

Why choose this degree?
- Gain the skills and experience needed for a variety of career opportunities in this growing sector

- Enhance your learning with work placements such as coral research and shark conservation both in the UK and abroad

- Experience the industry in depth by visiting UK and international fish farms, coastal sites and research centres

- Develop wide-reaching skills and knowledge in biological science – from physiology to ecology and evolution

- Be taught by experts in unrivalled on-site facilities, including the 650m² purpose-built Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre (ARCC), the Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre and our own mixed coarse fishery lake.

What makes UCS special?
University Centre Sparsholt is recognised worldwide for its expertise in providing education in fishery, aquaculture and marine studies. Our lecturing staff are known to be the experts in the industry and can often be found at conferences and industry forums discussing the latest techniques and their supporting research.

Students gain real industry experience on and off-site that is underpinned by the high level of technical lecture content to prepare them for a range of careers or progression to courses at Master’s level. Our industry contacts enable great employment prospects. Typically over 50% of our 3rd year students return from work placements to sit their final exams with jobs already secured for graduation.

What will I learn?
Marine ecology and conservation systems are studied in depth in this programme as you explore the impact of factors such as coastal developments, over-fishing, non-native species and worldwide climate change.

The course includes significant work experience in marine aquaculture, coastal fisheries, marine aquaria and research establishments both at home and abroad. Previous placements range from working in the Cornish Seal Sanctuary or for the Manta Trust in the UK, to Natal Shark Board in South Africa and Malta, whale and dolphin conservation in Tenerife, and Coral Cay Conservation in the Philippines.

How will I be assessed?
Assessment includes coursework (such as practical portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies and essay style assignments) plus formal exams. Research opportunities are also a feature, often enabling data collection within organisations such as the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.

Where can I go from here?
After completing this course, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) Top-up in Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth for third year of study or enter the industry. Sparsholt students now work in national wildlife trusts and marine research