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
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
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,834 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Plant Biology - Ecology and Management - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Biology - Ecology, Evolutionary and Conservation - BSc University of Central Florida, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,478 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Applied Plant Ecology - BSAG University of Saskatchewan, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 19,929 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
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Ecology - BSc University of Otago, New Zealand
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 21,055 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
Ecology graduate programs
Master's in ecology
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Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - MSc University of Helsinki, Finland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Ecology and the Environment - MSc Linköping University, Sweden
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 19,000 USD
- Start date
- September
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Ecology and Population Genetics - MSc University of Oulu, Finland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 12,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Ecology and Biodiversity - MSc/MSc (Tech) University of Waikato, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- -
- Tuition fees per year
- 33,835 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
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Wildlife Ecology - MSc Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Doctorate in ecology
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Ecology Program - PhD University of Wyoming, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,500 USD
- Start date
- May, September
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Environmental Sciences, Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology - PhD Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,669 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Diploma in ecology
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Applied Coastal Ecology - PGDip Coast Mountain College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,547 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
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.
