
Study ecology abroad
An in-depth guide to studying ecology as an international student.
Ecology degrees abroad
Ecology refers to the study of the interactions between living creatures and their environments. It’s a type of science that involves elements of biology, mathematics, geography, geology, statistics, and physiology.
As an ecology student, you’ll learn about the science behind ecology, including the evolution of species, the organization of creature populations, and the principles of biodiversity. You’ll examine how the earth’s biological systems are coping with challenges like climate change and deforestation and will work to offer solutions. You’ll be equipped with the theoretical and practical skills that you need to kickstart a career in ecology.
You cannot truly appreciate the rich diversity of the earth’s ecosystems without leaving your home country; that’s why studying ecology abroad is a fantastic idea. Encountering new environments, habitats, and species will help you to see ecology through a global lens. You’ll work alongside international experts and will graduate with the knowledge to work anywhere in the world.


Ecology program structure
A BSc in ecology will be studied over three or four years, depending on your university. Most universities will encourage you to take a placement year during your studies where you’ll temporarily join the ranks of an environmental organization, pharmaceutical company, or something similar.
On many undergraduate programs, ecology is paired with a related subject like biodiversity, environmental science, or conservation. Most of these courses are still classified as single honors programs and cover similar ground, but it’s worth double-checking the exact course details before applying.
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can go on to study a postgraduate qualification. These programs are more research-based and you’ll need to narrow your focus. A master’s usually takes one or two years to complete, followed by a PhD which can take between four and seven years to finish.
As well as learning through lectures, tutorials, and laboratory workshops, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to undertake practical studies and fieldwork. This combination will give you a solid theoretical and practical comprehension of the subject.
What’s covered on your course will differ between institutions. A range of elective modules will help you tailor your degree to reflect your specific interests. However, most university programs will cover these core areas:
- Ecology of animal, plants and microbes
- Evolution
- Cell and development biology
- Microbiology
- Animal and plant biology
- Genetics and evolution
- Laboratory and professional skills for bioscientists
- Genes and genomes
Ecology program structure
A BSc in ecology will be studied over three or four years, depending on your university. Most universities will encourage you to take a placement year during your studies where you’ll temporarily join the ranks of an environmental organization, pharmaceutical company, or something similar.
On many undergraduate programs, ecology is paired with a related subject like biodiversity, environmental science, or conservation. Most of these courses are still classified as single honors programs and cover similar ground, but it’s worth double-checking the exact course details before applying.
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can go on to study a postgraduate qualification. These programs are more research-based and you’ll need to narrow your focus. A master’s usually takes one or two years to complete, followed by a PhD which can take between four and seven years to finish.
As well as learning through lectures, tutorials, and laboratory workshops, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to undertake practical studies and fieldwork. This combination will give you a solid theoretical and practical comprehension of the subject.
What’s covered on your course will differ between institutions. A range of elective modules will help you tailor your degree to reflect your specific interests. However, most university programs will cover these core areas:
- Ecology of animal, plants and microbes
- Evolution
- Cell and development biology
- Microbiology
- Animal and plant biology
- Genetics and evolution
- Laboratory and professional skills for bioscientists
- Genes and genomes
Best countries to study ecology
How to study ecology abroad
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Ecology study abroad programs
Ecology undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in ecology
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Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology) - BSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
29,834 USD
Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD
- Start date
- May, January, August
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Applied Plant Ecology - BSAG University of Saskatchewan, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,662 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,838 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
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Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolution - BSc DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
40,551 USD
Fee in university's local currency 40,551 USD
- Start date
- -
-
Biological Sciences: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (STEM) - BS California State University, East Bay, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,499 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,499 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
Biological Sciences: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation - BSc California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Diploma in ecology
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Applied Coastal Ecology - Dip Coast Mountain College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,030 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,547 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
Ecology graduate programs
Master's in ecology
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Applied Ecology - MSc University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,713 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
Aquatic Ecology - MSc Linnaeus University, Sweden
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,351 USD
Fee in university's local currency 154,800 SEK
- Start date
- September
-
Biological Sciences: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation - MSc California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Ecology and Biodiversity - MSc (Research)/MSc/MSc (Tech) University of Waikato, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
25,702 USD
Fee in university's local currency 35,980 NZD
- Start date
- July, February
-
Ecology and Environmental Management - MSc Liverpool Hope University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,770 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,400 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
Doctorate in ecology
-
Ecology Program - PhD University of Wyoming, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,500 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,500 USD
- Start date
- September, May
-
Environmental Sciences, Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology - PhD Florida A&M University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
25,868 USD
Fee in university's local currency 25,868 USD
- Start date
- August, January
Diploma in ecology
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Applied Coastal Ecology - PGDip Coast Mountain College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,030 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,547 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
Future ecology careers
The need for qualified ecologists has arguably never been greater. With so many ecosystems in jeopardy, your knowledge and skills will open doors to several rewarding and fulfilling roles across public and private sectors, including:
- Ecological consultant
- Conservation officer
- Zoologist
- Molecular biologist
- Research analyst
- Laboratory technician
- Environmental researcher
- Environmental policy analyst
If you’re finding it difficult to figure out what your dream job is, arrange to speak with your university’s career services. They provide professional advice and guidance to help you accelerate your career.
