Zoology (with integrated year studying abroad),BSc

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.
• 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.

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A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC diploma) in subject areas other than biological science, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSEs, experience and motivation.

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

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed the Extended Level 3 BTEC diploma in subject areas other than biological science, or who have taken a BTEC certificate or diploma in any subject, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSE subjects, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed an international baccalaureate in subject areas other than higher level biological science, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSE subjects (or equivalent), experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed the European Baccalaureate in subject areas other than 4p biological science and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSE subjects (or equivalent), experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/study-with-us/international/english-requirements/ug-english-requirements/) for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/international-english/courses/te/) are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Other Requirements 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.

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

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
• 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.