Program Overview

At Bangor University, our world-leading research is already helping to address the complex challenges caused by global environmental change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and unsustainable use of natural resources. Our academics have garnered a global reputation for their work assessing interactions between humans and the environment and translating conservation science research into effective management and policy interventions.

Bangor – a natural outdoor laboratory – is an ideal place to study environmental conservation as our location provides easy access to a wide range of natural environments, from the North Wales coastline to the varied landscape of Eryri National Park with its long history of multiple agricultural land use, mining, and quarrying.

Fieldwork is an integral part of this degree with opportunities for residential trips overseas and locally, including a summer bioblitz exercise. We also take full advantage of the outstanding facilities at Henfaes Research Centre and Treborth Botanic Garden, which houses Europe’s largest ground soil and plant root laboratory and supports ex-situ conservation programmes for threatened Welsh micro-endemics. Conservation of Treborth's grassland and woodland habitats support its many native animals and more than 2,000 plant species have been recorded here.

The interdisciplinary BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation draws on our expertise across the natural and social sciences. This includes conservation, ecology, environmental science, forestry, and zoology. It focuses on developing practical, technical and professional knowledge and skills – from animal and vegetations surveys and species mapping to landscape ecology and environmental consultancy.

Bangor University is home to the Environment Centre for Wales and Welsh branches of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). We have strong links with Natural Resources Wales, D?r Cymru/Welsh Water, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust, whose regional offices are based in Bangor. Our links with these organisations help you gain a better understanding of professional-level conservation practice. You’ll have opportunities to hear from professionals working in the field, from those based locally, such as the BTO, RSPB and Woodland Trust, right through to international conservation practitioners like Save the Elephants and Chester Zoo.

We also work closely with Natural England, Eryri National Park Authority, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission. Some contribute to teaching and offer opportunities for work placements. One of the highlights of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation degree is our research-informed teaching and large choice of optional modules enable you to tap into the latest findings and knowledge of staff whose specialisms cover everything from climate change, land and water resource management, social science, and food security to biodiversity, animal physiology, ecology, behaviour, and evolution.

As a mark of our academic excellence, all our Environmental Science degrees are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). This recognises the professional relevance and applicability of our curriculum to the workplace. By studying an accredited degree, you are also entitled to free student membership and access to exclusive online information, members-only reports and opportunities to network with professionals at free or reduced entry events.

On successful graduation, you can start the journey to become a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Chartered Scientist (CSci) or both, based on your level of qualifications and length of experience. This is a formal way to recognise and demonstrate your competence, experience and professionalism to colleagues, clients and the public. You can apply for Chartered status if you are a Full Member or Fellow of the IES and it is possible to hold multiple Charterships. Becoming both a CEnv and CSci demonstrates that you have wide-ranging skills, with expertise in environmental and sustainability matters, as well as the application of scientific knowledge.