Zoology

Zoology is the study of animal life at all levels, from genes and cells to populations and ecosystems, from individual behaviour to broad patterns of evolution and adaptation.

This subject covers anatomy, ecology and conservation, and fieldwork can take place locally or in exotic locations around the world.

We believe that understanding the diversity of animal life is crucial in zoology. Therefore, we offer specialised modules introducing animals at all levels of complexity, from the simplest forms through to birds and mammals. It’s a great opportunity to study the full variety of animal life in all its diversity.

You will benefit from exceptional teaching inspired by world-class research, and will be encouraged to follow your interests with specialised modules and hands-on learning. You will have the opportunity to build up field experience, and select optional modules to follow your specific interests in this vast and fascinating area of study. 

We run unique field courses to a variety of locations across Europe and beyond. In our Tropical Zoology field course, you can learn first-hand about the amazing wildlife in locations such as the Galapagos Islands, Tanzania, South Africa and Canada.

You can also carry out your final-year research project at a European university under the Erasmus+ scheme. Previous students have worked at an overseas institute during the summer, such as KL University in Malaysia, or have studied leopards in South Africa.

You don't need to venture off campus for access to great facilities and fieldwork. Our award-winning Whiteknights campus has fantastic biodiversity, while our own accredited museum, the Cole Museum of Zoology, is used extensively in teaching and provides you with unique opportunities to develop hands-on skills in taxonomy and natural history conservation.

Overall, 93.2% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders). 

You could work in industry, research, wildlife conservation, education or the veterinary sector.