Course Overview

Animal & Conservation Biology introduces animals' diversity, form, and function. You'll study how animals have evolved and adapted to different environments in terms of their ecology, behavior, and physiology.

You'll learn how this knowledge can be used to guide conservation and understand the impacts of pollution and climate change on animals. Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside are rich in biodiversity, and you'll visit local sites of scientific interest, gain valuable fieldwork experience, and go on residential trips, including to the Algarve.

You'll be equipped with a range of skills for a career in animal conservation or management, including species identification, field surveying techniques, and collection and analysis of biological data. In addition, your addition, you could continue to postgraduate study.

General Eligibility

Our entry requirements indicate standard and Minimum qualifications with which we usually accept students. However, competition for places varies yearly, and you aren't guaranteed a business if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Advanced entry

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 is possible for students with suitable qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBB includes Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BBCC includes Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

A Level

BCC, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Applied Science.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

A Level grade C

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H2/H2/H3/H3 including a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, and 4, including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) at minimum grade 5.

European Baccalaureate

70% with Grade 7 in three subjects, including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

T Level 

Grade M

T Level must be completed in a Science subject, or Level Science may be required.

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC to include Biology

A Level

BBB to include Biology

HNC

Pass in a related subject* with a B in the graded unit.

*Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Applied Bioscience, Applied Animal Biology or Wildlife and Conservation Management

Minimum Year 3

HND

Pass in a related subject* with Grades BB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units.

*Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Applied Science, Applied Animal Biology, Environmental Management, and Sustainability, Wildlife and Conservation Management

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic)

  6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

  TOEFL Internet-Based Test

  80 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing

  Pearson’s Test of Academic English

  56 overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

  Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)

  ISE III, ISE III, ISEIV with a pass in each component

  LanguageCert English language qualification

  B2 Communicator Test with an overall 39 or above and 25 or above in all skills