BSc

Zoology

Key Facts

C300

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

Apply Now

Zoologists apply their scientific skills to understand animal life in all its diversity and complexity, and at all scales, from cells, to organisms, to ecosystems. On the BSc Zoology degree at Aberystwyth University you'll also develop a solid foundation of transferable scientific skills, as evidenced by our Royal Society of Biology accreditation.

Equipped with these skills, youll develop your expertise in vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, and will choose from a wide range of specialist modules in areas including animal behaviour, marine and freshwater biology, parasitology and wildlife conservation. You'll develop advanced skills in zoology research and ultimately conduct your own independent zoology research project.

You’ll do all this within the wild and beautiful setting of West Wales, which is home to bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, pine martens, otters, ospreys and red kites. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to study zoology on residential field courses further afield, including the hyperdiverse tropical rainforest.

Course Overview

Why study Zoology at Aberystwyth University?

Our course:

  • provides a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the biosciences which will be invaluable to you within and beyond the field of zoology
  • is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of its quality
  • includes a wide range of specialist module options so that you can pursue your interests in areas such as animal behaviour, marine and freshwater biology, parasitology and wildlife conservation
  • includes a range of optional residential field courses allowing immersive study and small group project work
  • is taught by knowledgeable staff whose zoology research informs their teaching
  • includes a substantial, independent research project in your final year, during which you will benefit from one-to-one academic supervision
  • is highly suited to students wishing to improve their employability within fields such as animal conservation or scientific research, but also develops skills desirable in a broad range of other graduate professions.

Opportunities!

  • Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying zoology overseas.
  • You can choose to study a number of modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the modules tab for more information.

Aberystwyth has excellent facilities for zoologists, including:

  • a modern aquarium housing cold-water and tropical, marine and freshwater species
  • access to a range of small and large domestic animals for zoology research purposes via our university farms, equine centre and veterinary education centre
  • access to an extensive woodland neighbouring our campus with purpose-built nest boxes supporting the study of birds and other wildlife
  • wild and beautiful habitats on our doorstep, including marine, moorland, mountain, grassland and coast, providing a huge variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities
  • opportunities to view common and rare UK animal species such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, pine martens, otters, ospreys and red kites
  • an extensive collection of zoological specimens housed within our museum.

Research-led teaching

  • You’ll be taught by a passionate team of zoologists who are also active research scientists. Their research informs our teaching, and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project. Our zoology lecturers are also enthusiastic and innovative teachers!
Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Cell Biology * BR17520 20
Comparative Animal Physiology BR16720 20
Ecology and Conservation * BR19320 20
Genetics, Evolution and Diversity BR17120 20
Microbial and Plant Diversity * BR19920 20
Skills for Wildlife Scientists * BR15720 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Invertebrate Zoology BR25420 20
Research Methods * BR27520 20
Vertebrate Zoology BR26820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Behaviour BR21620 20
Evolution and Molecular Systematics BR21720 20
Freshwater Biology BR22020 20
Marine Biology BR22620 20
Researching Behavioural Ecology BR27320 20
Tropical Zoology Field Course BR23820 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20
Wildlife Surveying * BR29620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Research Project * BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Behaviour Field Course BR34920 20
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Behavioural Neurobiology BR35320 20
Freshwater Biology Field Course BR37720 20
Global Biodiversity Conservation BR33420 20
Marine Biology Field Course BR30020 20
Parasitology BR33820 20
Population and Community Ecology BR33920 20
Wildlife Conservation BR34520 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What do I gain from studying BSc Zoology?

Graduates of BSc Zoology at Aberystwyth University:

  • are skilled life scientists, with strong theoretical and practical knowledge of zoology
  • have direct insight into zoology research thanks to their final year research projects, and our degree’s emphasis on research-led teaching
  • may have international experience if they undertake academic exchange
  • are confident and insightful critical thinkers, capable of working independently and as part of a team
  • have strong scientific and data analysis skills that are desirable within and beyond the field of zoology
  • are members of a supportive community of Aberystwyth University zoologists, past and present
  • gain a year’s membership of the Royal Society of Biology after graduation to help them establish their careers.

What professions do our students go into?

Our graduates have skills desirable in a wide range of careers both within the field of zoology and beyond. They have:

  • undertaken postgraduate study at Masters or  PhD level, and established careers as zoology researchers
  • worked in ecological consultancy, wildlife film making, zoo animal care and more
  • established careers in science communication, environmental education and teaching
  • taken on scientific roles outside of zoology due to their broad base of transferable scientific skills.

Our zoology degree is also suitable for entry into a variety of graduate training programmes.

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study? 

During their studies, our students have volunteered for organisations such as the RSPB. Many have also volunteered in zoos, or as voluntary research assistants on our scientific research projects.

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three-year degree scheme.

During your first year, you’ll be introduced to:

  • the evolution and diversity of animal life
  • the essential biology underpinning zoology, including animal physiology, genetics, cell biology and ecology
  • practical scientific procedures to tackle wildlife science problems
  • scientific writing and presentation skills, taught in small group tutorials with your tutor
  • transferable skills in graphing, data handling, analysis and interpretation.

During your second year, you'll undertake specialist study of:

  • invertebrate and vertebrate zoology
  • designing and planning research investigating zoology
  • quantitative and qualitative procedures for analysing data and guiding scientific interpretation
  • additional specialist subjects of your choice, based on our wide range of optional modules.

In your final year, you'll undertake advanced study in:

  • an independent research project, available to all students
  • additional specialist subjects of your choice, based on our wide range of optional modules.

How will I be taught?

The course will be taught through lectures, interactive seminars, computer workshops, field visits and courses, laboratory practicals, small group tutorials and one-on-one supervision of your independent research project.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of different methods. Some modules are assessed partially through traditional exams, but we also employ a wide variety of different coursework elements including essays, posters, oral presentations, videos, wikis, practical data analysis tasks, field notebooks and magazine-style science articles.

Student Testimonials

Aberystwyth is an amazing place to study, full of friendly faces; both students and lecturers alike- it really is a home away from home.  I was delighted to be walking away from my time in Aberystwyth with a 1st class honours degree in Zoology and a full-time job in my dream career, as a zoo keeper. Aberystwyth has been the most wonderful place to study and I shall forever be pleased I chose this fabulous little town/university to study my degree in! Kathryn Beddie

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB - BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

Back to the top