What Is Degree Accreditation?
Our Degree Accreditation Scheme celebrates undergraduate and postgraduate courses that equip students with the knowledge, practical experience, and field skills most valued by employers.
The scheme was developed in response to research (2011) highlighting a skills gap in ecology and environmental practice across the UK and Ireland. We created it to ensure degree programmes are designed to bridge that gap, helping students graduate ready for the world of work.
Our Purpose
Through degree accreditation, we aim to:
• Support universities in developing graduates with the skills the sector needs.
• Promote practical fieldwork as a vital part of ecological and environmental education
• Help students choose wisely, by identifying courses that provide the right balance of theory, fieldwork, and employability skills.
What Makes an Accredited Degree?
Accredited degrees combine strong ecological and environmental theory with hands-on field experience.
We believe that real-world practice is essential to building the skills employers are looking for, such as:
• Applying theoretical knowledge in real environmental contexts
• Developing key field skills (like species identification)
• Learning to work in unpredictable field conditions
• Strengthening data analysis, interpretation, and report-writing skills
Why Choose an Accredited Degree?
Studying a CIEEM-accredited degree or degree pathway brings real advantages:
• Designed with employers – Our accreditation is built on direct feedback from the professionals who hire ecology and environment graduates.
• Quality assured – Accredited courses are rigorously reviewed for both academic and practical relevance.
• Free student membership – All students on accredited courses enjoy free CIEEM membership while their course remains accredited.
• Exclusive opportunities – Attend CIEEM events, meet practising ecologists and environmental managers, and gain access to tailored career advice and employer insights.
Your Pathway to a Professional Career
• Choosing a CIEEM-accredited degree means you’re choosing a course that:
• Gives you a solid academic foundation and essential practical experience.
• Connects you with leading professionals and employers in your field.
• Helps you graduate confident, skilled, and career-ready.
Here is what accredited degree students have to say:
As an international student, studying a CIEEM Accredited Degree has been a truly enriching and transformative experience. The course has
equipped me with both theoretical knowledge and the practical and analytical skills essential for today’s global conservation sector.
– Prateek Savita, MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management, University of South Wales
In terms of studying, I deemed an Accredited Degree the best course for me. When I saw that with masters you can get a CIEEM membership, it was a great contributing factor. The coursework provided has been informative and relevant. We’ve had great field visits and I really do appreciate all the work the lecturers have put into it. I’m so glad I a
m doing this MSc as I have attended online seminars and presentations hosted by CIEEM, which I’ve really enjoyed. I have also gained knowledge in different subjects that are transferrable to real-world problems and even though I’m only half way through this masters, I feel like I can contribute to the ecological work force already.
– Annelise van Eeden, MSc Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Edinburgh Napier University
Undergraduate Accredited Degrees
Institution |
Course |
Valid from |
Valid until |
 |
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation | 2023 | January 2029 |
|
|
BSc (Hons) Environmental Land Management | 2013 | April 2028 |
|
|
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Management | 2017 | April 2028 |
 |
BSc Environmental Science | 2016 | April 2027 |
 |
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science | 2014 | May 2029 |
 |
BSc Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation | 2014 | June 2030 |
 |
BSc (Hons) Natural History | 2017 | June 2026 |
Postgraduate Accredited Degrees
Institution |
Course |
Valid from |
Valid until |
 |
MSc Biodiversity Conservation | 2018 | August 2028 |
 |
MSc Conservation Management | 2019 | June 2030 |
 |
MSc Wildlife Biology and Conservation (campus-based) | 2018 | May 2029 |
|
MSc Wildlife Biology and Conservation (distance-learning) | 2025 | December 2030 |
|
MSc Ecology and Environmental Management | 2016 | April 2027 |
 |
MSc Biodiversity Conservation | 2014 | September 2030 |
|
MSc Conservation Ecology | 2014 | June 2030 |
 |
MSc Applied Environmental Science | 2025 | April 2030 |
|
MSc Wildlife and ConservationManagement | 2017 | March 2025 |
Accredited Degree Pathways
 |
BSc (Hons) Zoology | 2016 | March 2027 |
If a degree or degree pathway becomes accredited by CIEEM before or during your time on that course, you are entitled to apply for FREE CIEEM Student Membership (CIEEM Accredited Degree), until the accreditation ceases.