Zoology (with integrated year in industry)

Why study Zoology with integrated year in industry 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 undertake your year in industry in the UK or abroad.
• 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.

What do I gain from studying BSc Zoology with integrated year in industry?

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
• benefit from the help of a dedicated Year in Industry Coordinator to increase their chances of success in applications and interviews
• graduate with a substantial period of relevant work experience on their CV, enhancing their employment prospects
• 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 do I gain from an Integrated Year in Industry?

Completing an Integrated Year in Industry will:

• give you experience of job applications and interviews, supported by a dedicated Year in Industry Coordinator
• allow you to apply the learning from your course in the work environment
• enable you to make industry contacts
• develop practical skills related to your area of study
• enrich your final year of studies with an enhanced appreciation of its applicability to your career
• greatly enhance your CV and increase your prospects of success in the job market.

Many of our students complete all or part of their Integrated Year in Industry abroad, so you can also gain experience of new cultures, languages, wildlife and habitat!

Please note that we do not have automatic work placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for securing your own work experience, with the support of our dedicated Year in Industry Coordinator and Careers Advisor to maximise your chances of success. If you are unsuccessful, you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of the BSc Zoology degree.