Zoology

On this course you will develop your knowledge of animal diversity, behaviour, evolution, anatomy, physiology, conservation and ecology.  

Fieldwork and practical classes form an integral part of the course throughout. Aberystwyth’s array of interesting and important habitats, including marine, moorland, mountain, grassland and coast, provides the ideal natural classroom for the teaching of practical skills. 

You will also have the option to learn field skills in tropical zoology, tropical ecology and animal behaviour, locally and overseas in hyperdiverse tropical rainforest environments such as the Amazon basin or Costa Rica, depending on module choice. 

Aberystwyth is a stone’s throw away from many internationally recognised habitats, including UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, two RAMSAR wetlands, two marine special areas of conservation, two National Nature reserves, and several sites of special scientific interest to name but a few, providing you with fabulous fieldwork and recreational opportunities.

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. 

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.

Our graduates have developed exciting careers with a wide range of employers including zoos, education authorities, conservation and animal welfare organisations, the Natural Environment Research Council, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, and as wildlife documentary producers. Other zoology graduates have continued into veterinary school or pursued further study at Masters or PhD level. 

In addition, your Zoology degree will have taught you a broad range of skills such as observation, research, analysis and reflection which are demanded by employers in a variety of graduate professions. 

The skills gained include: 

• an in-depth understanding of zoology and zoology-related disciplines, including animal behaviour, physiology, phylogeny, species conservation and ecology 
• a range of field and laboratory techniques used by zoology professionals 
• the ability to formulate hypotheses, design statistically valid experiments, undertake data collection, data analysis and critically interpret results 
• the ability to communicate effectively and coherently in written and oral form using citations ensuring academic integrity 
• an appreciation of ethical working practices 
• the ability to work as part of a team and independently 
• a variety of skills for independent lifelong working including time management, organisation, and knowledge transfer. 

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

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers.   

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and our Year in Employment Scheme.   

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