About Animal & Conservation Biology - Bsc (hons) in Edinburgh Napier University

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

You'll learn how this knowledge can be put to use to guide conservation and understand the impacts of pollution and climate change on animals. Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside is rich in biodiversity and you'll visit local sites of scientific interest, gaining valuable fieldwork experience, as well as going on residential trips, including to the Algarve.

You'll leave 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, or you could continue on to postgraduate study.

Course details

You'll discover how studies in animal behaviour, ecology, physiology and evolution help us to understand animals in their natural environment. You'll explore the main environmental threats faced by animals, how to assess their habitats and appreciate the many ways to enact effective conservation.

You'll get hands-on fieldwork experience, including residential field trips to the Isle of Cumbrae and the Algarve. Your learning is also supported by internationally recognised research and you'll get the opportunity to conduct your own research project, benefitting from the knowledge of our diverse staff and links with external organisations.

You'll develop a range of specialist skills relevant to future career paths such as:

• species identification
• field surveys in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments
• collection and analysis of behavioural data
• laboratory-based investigations

The applied nature of this course develops skills that enhance your employability, including team working, problem solving, research, communication and IT. You'll also acquire specialist analytical and numerical skills, be able to collect a range of biological data and communicate scientific information effectively.

Local industry links help you with gaining work-related experience and project opportunities, which will enhance your ability to compete for jobs after graduation.

The emphasis on research also equips you with the knowledge and skills to continue on to postgraduate study, including possible PhD study within Edinburgh Napier University.

To apply for our bachelors courses, you should have completed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with overall 60% or above in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam.

If you have 60% or higher in English in the Indian HSC Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam, you may be considered for an undergraduate study without a further English test on a case-by-case basis.

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

Edinburgh Napier University Highlights

Edinburgh Napier University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The table below shows the estimated cost of living in UK while attending the institute. The cost is presented annually and may vary according to the needs of individuals.

Edinburgh Napier University Application process

Application fee:

• Undergraduate: 13 GBP to 24 GBP
• Graduate: Not available

Supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• References
• English proficiency proof
• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Interview or portfolio (if required)
• Copy of passport/visa
• Copy of CAS (if applicable)

Academic requirements:

• Undergraduate: Overall of 60% in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or higher in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) or the international United Kingdom equivalent.
• Graduate: Bachelor degree or its equivalent

English Proficiency Test Scores 

For taught undergraduate and graduate programs, any one of the following test scores are required:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, other tests that are accepted by the university include TOEFL ‘At Home’ Test (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), IELTS Indicator (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), online Edinburgh Napier English Language Courses, Duolingo, and IELTS Academic tests taken more than two years but less than four years will be considered with the use of English language in work or education during that period playing a big role.

Duolingo test and its IELTS equivalent is shown below