Study Zoology, why & how to study
A Zoology degree is a good career choice if you want to work with animals, in areas related to biodiversity, or in lab-based research.
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CONTENTS
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What鈥檚 Zoology?
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What Zoology degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Zoology degree?
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What topics does a Zoology degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Zoology?
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Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Zoology?
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What do Zoology graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Zoology graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Zoology
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Have any questions?
What鈥檚 Zoology?
Study Zoology and you鈥檒l be learning all about the animal kingdom 鈥� from the smallest of insects to the largest of mammals, including creatures long extinct.
A Zoology degree typically includes a lot of practical learning through laboratory time and fieldwork. You could be delving into cellular biology, genetics, physiology, the habitats and habits of animals, or tracking the impact of humans on habitat and how this affects animal behaviour.
Take a look at the university league tables for Zoology.
What Zoology degrees can you study?
Undergraduate degrees in Zoology are usually single honours. With joint honours, you can study it alongside another subject. Undergraduate courses in Zoology include:
Zoology MSci
Gain an understanding of whole-animal biology, ecology and behaviour, and the evolution of animal life histories. The additional fourth year of an MSci contains advanced skills training and research, valuable for those aiming for a career in biological sciences.
Animal Science BSc
Focus on understanding animal behaviour, nutrition and physiology, while equipping yourself with the practical skills or a wide range of careers.
Search for Animal Science courses.
Zoology with Entrepreneurship BSc
An opportunity to combine science with business skills, a key driver of employability.
Discover Zoology with Entrepreneurship courses.
Animal Biology BSc
These courses explore the fascinating animal kingdom and the scientific principles that underpin this important and wide-ranging subject area.
Look for Animal Biology courses.
Animal & Conservation Biology BSc
Prepare for a career in wildlife conservation by exploring how animals adapt to their environment and interact with each other.
Explore Animal & Conservation Biology courses.
Other options
You鈥檒l also find Zoology on offer with various other subjects, such as modern languages or other sciences. Course options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement or time studying abroad. January start dates are also available.
What do you need to get onto a Zoology degree?
Must have
Most undergraduate Zoology degrees ask for between 96鈥�168 UCAS points. This could include qualifications such as:
- A Levels: A*AA鈥揃CC
- BTECs: DDM鈥揗MM
- Scottish Highers: AAAB鈥揂ABB (or Advanced Highers AAA鈥揂AB)
- International Baccalaureate: 36鈥�28
- Universities will usually ask that you have studied one or two science subjects, such as biology and sometimes chemistry
Good to have
- Studied Physics, Mathematics or Applied science
- Work experience or shadowing related occupations, such as animal shelters, vet clinics and stables or helping out at a farm
- Volunteer experience with local conservation charities
- Independent reading into the subject or areas of related research at your chosen uni
- Summer schools, if available
What topics does a Zoology degree cover?
Typical topics or modules studied include:
- Animal biology and physiology
- Applied behaviour and animal welfare
- Applied genetics
- Biodiversity
- Cell biology
- Comparative physiology
- Ecology and evolution
- Invertebrate biology
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Physiology, adaptation and disease
- Scientific enquiry
- Statistical techniques
How will you be assessed?
On a Zoology degree, assessments will depend on the module and practical work. They may include:
- Case studies
- Debates
- Dissertation
- Essays or written assignments
- Technical lab reports
- Exams
- Presentations (individual or group)
- Group work or projects (field courses)
- Practical assessments
Why study Zoology?
If you love biology and scientific enquiry, Zoology will equip you with the practical skills and experience to enter a number of related careers.
Career-specific skills:
- Practical laboratory skills
- Field surveying techniques
- Species identification
- Collection and analysis of biological data and scientific measurement
- Applied research
Transferable skills:
- Analysis and interpretation
- Basic coding
- Communication
- Creating and delivering presentations
- Data management
- IT skills
- Problem-solving
- Report writing
- Research skills
Professional accreditation:
- Degrees may be accredited by the Royal Society of Biology or Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)
- May include elements towards registration as an ASAB Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB)
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Zoology?
Some universities offer students scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage diversity. It鈥檚 worth asking if you are eligible, how to apply and what the money covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.
What do Zoology graduates earn?
Zoology graduates have an entry-level salary of around £18,000鈥�22,000.
The average salary for a Zoologist in the UK is currently £40,500 鈥� more for those in senior positions. Biotechnologists can earn up to £55,000. If you decide that you like to analyse data, pursue postgraduate training and you could earn up to £70,000 as a statistician.
What jobs can you get as a Zoology graduate?
While Zoology is a strongly vocational degree, it doesn鈥檛 mean you must become a Zoologist. A wide variety of careers could beckon, including:
- Animal health inspector
- Animal nutritionist
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical scientist
- Consultant ecologist
- Medical writer
- Microbiologist
- Museum curator
- Nanotechnologist
- Science writer
- Soil scientist
- Statistician
- Teacher
- Zookeeper
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
If you want to pursue this subject at the postgraduate level, courses with practical elements are likely to require an undergraduate degree in a related area such as Biology. Postgraduate courses include:
- Animal Biosciences MSc
- Animal Welfare MSc
- Biological Science (Zoology) MPhil
- Wild Animal Biology MSc
- Wildlife Biology & Conservation MSc
- Zoology PhD
Similar subjects to Zoology
If you鈥檙e interested in Zoology, other subject areas that may appeal include:
Search undergraduate Zoology courses now!
Have any questions?
Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your questions about studying Zoology. We鈥檒l be happy to hear from you!
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