University of Exeter United Kingdom

BSc Evolutionary Biology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on the BSc Evolutionary Biology at the University of Exeter, a comprehensive programme designed for those fascinated by the intricate processes that have shaped life on Earth. You will delve into the core principles of evolutionary ecology, genetics, and animal diversity, gaining a deep understanding of the mechanisms driving adaptation and speciation. This degree is ideal for aspiring scientists who want to explore the fundamental questions of life's history and its ongoing transformations, preparing you for impactful careers in conservation, research, and beyond.

This full-time, three-year undergraduate degree is studied on campus, integrating theoretical knowledge with essential practical skills through lectures, laboratory sessions, and significant fieldwork. In your second year, you will undertake a compulsory field course to observe evolution in its natural setting, with options ranging from Scottish ecosystems to virtual explorations. Your final year culminates in an independent research project, allowing you to specialise and collaborate closely with academic staff. You will graduate with a robust understanding of evolutionary biology and the analytical capabilities to pursue advanced studies or careers in scientific research and environmental management.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc in Evolutionary Biology provides a comprehensive exploration of life's diversity and evolutionary processes. Students will delve into fundamental concepts of ecology, genetics, and animal diversity in their first year. Subsequent years build upon this foundation, examining evolutionary ecology, behavioral ecology, and data analysis, with numerous opportunities for field-based learning in diverse global environments. The final year culminates in a research project and advanced studies in areas such as conservation, human behavioral ecology, and the evolutionary biology of disease.

1 Year 1

Ecology and conservation Compulsory
Animal diversity Compulsory
Evolution and genetics Compulsory

2 Year 2

Evolutionary ecology Compulsory
Analysis of biological data Compulsory
Scotland field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Biosciences Penryn virtual field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Scillies St Agnes field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Scillies St Mary's field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Behavioural ecology Compulsory
Population and community ecology Optional
Wildlife disease Optional
Introduction to ecological consultancy Optional
Conservation science Optional
Biology and ecology of marine vertebrates Optional
Wildlife exploitation Optional
Adaptations to life on Earth Optional
GIS for wildlife mapping Optional

3 Final year

Research project Compulsory
Preparing to graduate Compulsory
Ecology, behaviour, and conservation in wild places: the forests and oceans of Yukon and Alaska Compulsory
Azores field course Compulsory
Northern Spain field course Compulsory
Tropical biodiversity and conservation: Costa Rica field course Compulsory
Alpine ecology field course Compulsory
Pyrenees field trip Compulsory
Global research skills virtual field course [See note b above] Compulsory
Literature review in evolution and ecology [See note b above] Compulsory
Human behavioural ecology Optional
Living in groups Optional
Literature review in evolution and ecology Optional
Symbiosis in marine systems Optional
Sensory ecology Optional
Science in society Optional
Animal life histories Optional
Ecological responses to climate change Optional
Evolutionary biology of health and disease Optional
Animal migration Optional
Animal cognition Optional
Primate biology and conservation Optional
The complexity of human societies Optional
Major transitions in evolutionary history Optional
Global research skills virtual field course Optional
The genome: applications, evolution and ecology Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 126,519.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penryn Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Brokerage & Trading & SecuritiesCoal & Consumable FuelsEconomic Research & PolicyEnergy Engineering & InfrastructureInvestment Management & Asset ManagementLivestock & Animal HusbandryMidstream Operations & Energy LogisticsNetworking & Internet ServicesQuality Assurance & ControlRenewable Energy (Solar & Wind)

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

Amgen

AstraZeneca

Deloitte

Environment Agency

GSK

NHS

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Why Study BSc Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Evolutionary Biology at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students on Degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English language requirements, a minimum Duolingo overall score of 120 is needed, or equivalent scores from tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Specific listening, reading, speaking, and writing scores are required for each test.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as conservation biologists, wildlife managers, evolutionary researchers, environmental consultants, or laboratory technicians.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BSc Evolutionary Biology program covers evolutionary ecology and genetics, providing insights into adaptation and speciation processes. It combines theoretical learning with practical skills through lectures, lab sessions, and fieldwork.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Evolutionary Biology program has an intake in September. This allows you to start your academic journey in sync with the academic year.
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