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    Study ecology abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying ecology as an international student.

    Find ecology programs

    Explore ecology programs abroad

    See other programs in ecology

    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

    Best universities to study ecology

    See all universities offering ecology programs

    How to study ecology abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Ecology study abroad programs

    Ecology undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in ecology

    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology)
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Applied Plant Ecology
    • false

      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
      -
      Show program overview about Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolution
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Biological Sciences: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (STEM)
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Biological Sciences: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
    See all bachelor's degrees in ecology

    Diploma in ecology

    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Applied Coastal Ecology
    See all undergraduate diplomas in ecology

    Ecology graduate programs

    Master's in ecology

    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Applied Ecology
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Aquatic Ecology
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Biological Sciences: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Ecology and Biodiversity
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Ecology and Environmental Management
    See all master's degrees in ecology

    Doctorate in ecology

    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Ecology Program
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Environmental Sciences, Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology
    See all doctorates in ecology

    Diploma in ecology

    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Applied Coastal Ecology
    See all postgraduate diplomas in ecology

    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.