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Study Ecology: All you need to know

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Study Ecology: All you need to know

Author: Dee Lawlor — Last update: 26 November 2024

Ecology is the study of living organisms and how they interact with - and are influenced by - their environment around them.

As an Ecology student, you will study the environment at four different levels – the individual organism, the population, the community, and the ecosystem. In a society and economy that is increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, Ecology graduates are in high demand.

Study in Europe: Find Bachelors & Masters in Ecology

🌿 What is Ecology?

Ecology is a branch of Biology. It is the study of ecosystems and how the different parts interact together to form one cohesive, functioning habitat. Ecologists study plant and animal species in relation to each other and investigate how outside influences such as human activity impact natural processes.

Ecology is all about how nature is connected, and it includes studying biotic factors such as plants and animals, as well as abiotic factors such as the weather and geography. Ecology has real-world impacts in conservation and habitat management and restoration.

Degree curricula in Ecology contain various subjects reflecting all those aspects. Ecology can be divided into several fields, including:

  • Molecular Ecology, how an individual’s DNA and biological processes affect the individual interactions with its environment.
  • Organismal Ecology, studying an individual species. Its physiology, behaviour, etc., and how it interacts with the environment and other species around it.
  • Population Ecology, how populations grow through birth and death, and how the populations genome impacts survival and responds to the environment.
  • Community Ecology, how multiple species live and interact together, and how those populations interact with their environment
  • Ecosystem Ecology, looking at an entire ecosystem and how the biotic and abiotic factors interact.
  • Landscape Ecology, how biotic and abiotic factors interact with an environment in relation to time and space.
  • Global Ecology, how environments interact at a global scale.

🌍 Where can I study Ecology?

Ecology is a very popular degree for those who interested in a career in conservation or habitat management. It is available in most universities across Europe that have a school of Biology or Environmental Sciences.

Universities that offer Bachelors in Ecology:

  • Ecology and Conservation - University of Kent (UK)

Find Bachelors in Ecology

Universities that offer Masters in Ecology:

  • Aquatic Ecology - Linnaeus University (Sweden)
  • Coastal Ecology - University of Agder (Norway)
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - University of Helsinki (Finland)
  • Ecology and Biodiversity - Stockholm University (Sweden)
  • Ecology and Climate Change - Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)
  • Quantitative Ecology & Evolution - University of Montpellier (France)
  • Industrial Ecology - Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden)
  • Human Ecology - University of Pécs (Hungary)

Find Masters in Ecology

📚 What can I expect to study in an Ecology Bachelor’s programme?

As with most science courses, you will start broad and narrow down your specialty as you go. In first year, you can expect to study general Ecology and biology, as well as some broad topics such as geography and chemistry.

After first year you will study topics such as (but not limited to):

  • Genetics, cell biology
  • Evolution, molecular biology
  • Epigenetics, environmental physiology
  • Conservation, biodiversity, environmental protection
  • Animal biology and behaviour
  • Botany, plant/animal interactions
  • Experiment and research skills, data handling

Entry requirements will differ depending on the university, but you can expect to need passing high school grades in biology, maths, and a second science such as geography or chemistry.

Find Bachelors in Ecology

📝 What can I expect to study at Master’s level?

In contrast to an often generic foundation delivered in undergraduate programmes, most Ecology Master’s programmes allow you to specialise further. Focusing on a specialty allows you to become an expert.

Depending on the programme, this is either predetermined or something you can choose through elective courses.

Typical specialisations in an Ecology Master are, for example, Marine Ecology, Forest Ecology, Agroecology, Industrial Ecology, or Conservation Management.

Whichever Master’s you choose is going to influence the direction of your professional career. Choose wisely and align your study programme with the goals you want to achieve.

Find Masters in Ecology

✏️ What can I expect to study at PhD level?

To obtain a PhD degree you will undertake a significant amount of academic research in an area of your choice. Most PhD programmes last at least three years and require you to work independently, meeting high academic standards.

Going for an Ecology PhD is not a decision you should make lightly. And you should make sure that whichever area of Ecology you want to focus on relates to things you learnt and explored during your Bachelors and Masters.

🏆 The best universities for Ecology in 2025

University rankings can be of help when choosing a university. One helpful subject-focused overview is provided in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities' Ecology ranking. Below you find a selection of some of Europe’s best universities to get an Ecology degree:

Rank in Europe Rank in the World Institution Country
1 1
University of Oxford
United Kingdom
2 3
Wageningen University & Research Germany
3 4
Exeter University United Kingdom
4 7
University of Montpellier
France
5 12
University of Helsinki
Finland
6 15 PSL University France
7 17 University of Goettingen Germany
8 18 Paris-Saclay University   France
9 19 Aarhus University Denmark
10 20 Sorbonne University France

Find study programmes in Ecology

👀 How to pick the right university for Ecology?

Numerous factors are relevant when deciding which university is the right choice to study Ecology.

University rankings can serve as an inspiration, especially subject rankings for Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences or related discipline.

If you have an idea of the career you want, then look for a university that has connections to that career path. For example, if you want a career working in environmental protection, then find universities that are actively involved in green initiatives. Your university will often have connections with companies, NGO’s etc. that are relevant to the courses that they teach and can often help you get established at the beginning of your career.

If you already have an idea what aspects of Ecology you are most interested in, this may also narrow down the locations where you should study. Want to focus on marine ecology? Choose a university close to the sea! Want to be involved in forest management? Choose one in a less urban area with access to forests.

If you are considering a career in academia, it is also a good idea to look at the kinds of research projects the university is involved in, and what current PhD students are working on.

🏕️ How is studying Ecology different from Biology?

Biology is the umbrella term for the study of all aspects of living organisms. From processes at the cellular level, to morphology, physiology, behaviour, and everything in between.

Ecology is the branch of Biology that studies how an organism interacts with the environment and how the environment impacts the organism.

Unlike Ecology, a Biology degree curriculum generally will not include abiotic topics such as geography, the climate, or the human impact on biological organisms and systems.

🌱 Top reasons for studying Ecology:

If you want to make a very real impact on the natural world, then Ecology is a great choice for you! Ecologists are on the front line of conservation and environmental protection.

  1. You can play your part to save the world: Ecologists are the people who protect and conserve natural habitats. You can make a very real contribution to the protection of the natural world as an Ecologist.
  2. You can travel: Ecology can take you all over the world. Most countries are actively trying to protect their natural habitats, and Ecology research is conducted in every ecosystem imaginable.
  3. You can spend time in nature: As an ecologist you will spend a lot of your time working outdoors. This could be monitoring human activity in your local park or counting trees in the rainforest.

🔎 Career options for Ecology graduates

There are a diverse range of careers and employers that will be interested in Ecology graduates. More and more, companies and government departments are dedicating resources to environmental causes and habitat protection. Thanks to efforts such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy, Ecology graduates will be in growing demand as we move towards a greener way of life.

What kinds of employers hire Ecology graduates?

Ecologists are needed at any organisation where the environment plays an important role. Typical employers include, but are not limited to:

  • NGOs and charities that focus on the environment, like Greenpeace, the WWF or smaller ones with regional or other focuses
  • Legal groups that are involved in environmental protection
  • Government agencies and environmental protection agencies
  • Green initiatives, and the green energy/sustainability industry
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Conservation groups

Typical job titles and descriptions for Ecology graduates:

The job options with an Ecology degree are as diverse as nature herself. Here are typical roles and responsibilities:

  • Ecologist: You will study, manage and protect natural habitats.
  • Environmental Protection Manager: You will manage and protect natural habitats, conduct forensic investigations when protected habitats have been damaged, work with companies to ensure they are not damaging the environment.
  • Conservation Officer: You will manage and protect habitats to ensure their future.
  • Field researcher: You will travel the world, exploring the far reaches of habitats to discover and study species in their natural environment.
  • Academic: You will conduct your own research and teach the next generation of ecologists.
  • Marine Ecologist: As a specialist on the ocean environment, you will manage fish stock, and establish and manage protected marine areas.
  • Environmental Consultant: You will perform audit of habitats for their health and wealth and advise on how to protect them. You will work with companies to help them ensure they are compliant with environmental laws and regulations.
  • Environmental Educator: You will teach young people about nature and how they can protect it.

🤔 What advice do you have for an Ecology student?

Ecology involves a lot of field work, so learning good “outdoors skills” such as camping, hiking, and first aid are beneficial. You will find yourself out in nature in all types of weather, so try invest in some good outdoor gear. Ecology can take you to some remote places, so being able to drive is a bonus.

Not all of the work happens outside, though: As in many other scientific disciplines, it also pays off to acquire solid laboratory skills. Don’t be shy and get competent at basic tasks like weighing and measuring samples, preparing microscope slides, etc. Being able to do these things well can make a meaningful difference to your Ecology career.

💭 What are similar subjects I could study?

Ecology is a diverse and dynamic field. But if it is not quite the subject you were looking for, there are numerous related alternatives to an Ecology degree that also offer a wealth of opportunities:

  • Zoology: Zoology shares many aspects with Ecology but focuses expressly on animal life.
  • Environmental Sciences: Learn about all aspects of the environment and how they all work together. An interdisciplinary field that forensically investigates the environment by combining biology, earth sciences, physics, chemistry, and social sciences.
  • Agricultural Sciences: Focus on the running and improvement of the agricultural industry. Agricultural Sciences is an interdisciplinary field that combines botany, soil sciences, animal husbandry and management, crop management.
  • Biology: An incredibly diverse science with many more areas to specialise in.
  • Environmental Management: Monitor and manage changing in habitats and ensure the protection and optimisation of natural environments.
  • Forestry: Learn everything there is to know about trees and how to plant, manage, and protect forests for conservation and industrial use.

 

Find study programmes in Ecology

 

91 Ecology Programmes in Europe
Dee Lawlor
Author: Dee Lawlor

Dee is an expert on all things living and breathing and has spent many years studying and working abroad. She has a BSc in Zoology from the University of Aberdeen (UK) and an MSc in Imaging & Microscopy from University College Dublin (Ireland), as well as a Diploma in Counselling Studies from Dublin Business School. She is the author of “Introduction to Light Microscopy” (Springer).

Featured universities:
University of Agder
University of Agder
Kristiansand, Norway
21 study programmes
University of Montpellier
University of Montpellier
Montpellier, France
12 study programmes
SRH University
SRH University
Berlin, Germany
62 study programmes
University of Szeged
University of Szeged
Szeged, Hungary
51 study programmes
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)
Kaunas, Lithuania
73 study programmes

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