Ecology and Conservation with a Placement Year (Hons) University of East Anglia

Overview

Whether you dream of protecting endangered species, restoring habitats, or shaping environmental policy, this Ecology and Conservation with a Placement Year (Hons) is your springboard to a future where you can make a real difference. At University of East Anglia, you’ll be taught by world-leading experts from our Schools of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Our unique approach to ecology and conservation will see you learning in the classroom, in our state-of-the-art labs, and in the field from your first year through to your final year research project. You’ll spend your third year in a work placement gaining invaluable real-world skills and experience in an area of your choice to greatly enhance your employability. 

UEA has a vibrant campus to explore with thousands of species thriving in and around the lake, woods, reedbeds and meadows. You’ll have the exciting opportunity to experience conservation work firsthand and develop biodiversity survey and identification skills. 

Placement Year

On this course, you’ll spend your third year working in a placement that’s relevant to your interests, gaining invaluable experience and skills that are highly valued by future employers. You'll be expected to seek your own work placement, and at the start of your second year you’ll be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of employers. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it’ll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you'll require after graduation. Though UEA can’t guarantee you a placement, we’ll offer our guidance and support whilst you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.  

During this year, you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will stay in touch during the placement to ensure that it's progressing well, and your UEA mentor will also visit you during the year.  

 If you're unsuccessful in securing a work placement by the end of your second year, you'll have the option to apply to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a placement year. 

Career Pathways

Examples of careers that you could enter include: 

• Ecological research 
• Agriculture and horticulture 
• Environmental management and conservation 
• Science communication and engagement 
• Education