Environmental conservation is now top of government agendas around the world which means that we now require a new generation of trained professional scientists with a sound zoological knowledge and an appreciation of the issues involved in local and global conservation.
This Zoology with Conservation MZool degree course is an extended undergraduate programme which allows students to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. If at the end of Year 2 a sufficient standard has been achieved, then progression onto the Masters year will be permitted following completion of Year 3. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field.
We will teach you all about traditional zoology, including taxonomy, morphology, physiology and cell biology with an emphasis upon animal ecology (biodiversity, ecology, behaviour and evolution). You will also take modules that will give you an understanding of the need for environmental conservation and how conservation objectives can be achieved. This degree establishes links between the academic learning environment and external environmental and conservation organisations in the form of project work and practical management plans.
You will acquire a broad theoretical understanding of zoology and conservation and you will also gain the associated practical skills. Along with a comprehensive range of transferable skills, this degree will equip you for a career in conservation.
We have always been one of the main UK universities for ecology and, because we are located next to Snowdonia National Park which is the perfect setting for this degree course. You will benefit from being close to an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats where field work. Field courses are an integral part of this degree.
Bangor is also the home of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and Natural Resources Wales as well as the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), all of which have close links to the University and staff associated with this course. These links feed directly into our teaching.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
- Bangor is the ideal place to study all aspects of wildlife and conservation – with a huge range of habitats on our doorstep.
- Our extensive additional teaching facilities include a natural history museum, freshwater and marine aquaria, a farm and a botanic garden.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.
