Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science

Study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at Canterbury Christ Church University and turn your passion for the planet into a practical, purpose-driven career.

Whether you want to work with endangered species, manage habitats, or influence environmental policy, this conservation degree will equip you with the knowledge and experience to make a real impact.

What you’ll learn


• Develop practical field, lab, and digital skills to investigate and monitor wildlife and ecosystems.



• Apply statistical and analytical methods to decipher environmental data.



• Explore how to find, evaluate, and use scientific research to solve conservation problems.



• Build strong communication and teamwork skills for use in scientific and professional settings.



• Understand how conservation links to global issues like sustainability, policy, and social change.



What's more, you’ll have the opportunity to undergo fieldwork locally, nationally, and abroad. Previous trips include Spain, Wales, and Lundy Island, with more destinations available in the next academic year.

You’ll work alongside lecturers who are all heavily involved in active research in exciting areas such as beaver monitoring, molecular ecology, rewilding, and soil pollution. You may be able to get involved with current conservation and ecology research, as well as undertaking your own in your final year. Our academics are currently working with the likes of Princeton University, Wildwood Trust, and Kent Wildlife Trust.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and meets in part the academic and experience requirements for Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status, giving you confidence that you’ll be joining a degree designed to support your development as a science student and prepare you for your future career.

Specialist facilities

You will learn in our flagship STEM Verena Holmes building with impressive, modern science labs and a team of highly qualified lab technicians to support your work, alongside teaching during local and residential fieldtrips.

Career prospects

Graduates from related courses preceding this one (e.g. Ecology, Environmental Science) at Canterbury Christ Church University have gone on to work as Head of Sustainability (Imperial College London), Senior Ecologist (Lloydbore), Conservation Livelihoods Event Coordinator (Durrell Conservation Trust) or Nature Conservation Officer (Habitats & Heritage).
Some of our graduates go on to complete MScs or PhDs or purse postgraduate courses or train as teachers.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.