Ecologist (integrated degree)
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Agriculture, environmental and animal care 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This integrated degree apprenticeship at Level 7 produces professional ecologists who can assess, manage, and protect natural environments and biodiversity. You will conduct ecological surveys, produce technical reports for planning applications, and develop habitat management plans for a wide range of clients. The profession is chartered through the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and offers career paths in consultancy, government agencies, NGOs, and land management.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Taxonomy and identification of UK plants, animals, and habitats
Ecological survey methods: breeding bird surveys, bat surveys, botanical NVC
Ecology and planning law: the Habitats Regulations, NERC Act, and NPPF
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and metric calculations
Habitat management planning and ecological enhancement design
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment
Scientific report writing to professional CIEEM standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out protected species surveys for planning applications
Write ecological reports, method statements, and mitigation plans
Calculate Biodiversity Net Gain using the DEFRA metric
Attend pre-application meetings with clients, planners, and developers
Monitor habitat restoration and enhancement sites over time
Identify and map habitats using National Vegetation Classification
Provide ecological advice to project teams throughout the design process
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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