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This Master in Zoology (Ornithology) degree course is an extended undergraduate programme which allows you to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or a Masters at the end of the fourth year. We offer a great deal of flexibility in our degrees giving you peace of mind.
Birds have a high profile as model organisms in zoology, and are the focus of growing conservation concern due to the alarming decline of many species. There is a growing demand for professional scientists with specialised knowledge and skills relating to birds.
This degree course in Zoology with Ornithology prepares you for work as a science professional as we combine traditional zoology with an emphasis upon avian biology and diversity. We deliver this alongside aspects of conservation management and practices. We will provide you with broad zoological training, with a special focus on both pure and applied aspects of animal life, as well as specialist ornithological knowledge and skills.
You will have the opportunity to acquire a broad range of laboratory and field skills, at home and abroad, and all the transferable skills associated with scientific training, including skills in data analysis, writing and presentation skills, IT skills and experience of independent and group-working. You will have access to a spread of Zoology modules covering vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as a suite of specialist modules on the exciting area of ornithology.
The fourth year MZool offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field. As an example, previous MZool projects have included exploring avian energetics during flight trials, examining how birds navigate via experimental manipulation, and ecological and behavioural studies of local Welsh species in partnership with local avian organizations and nature reserves.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
- Bangor is a UK centre of research excellence in ornithology, with a team of full-time staff specialising in avian evolution, behaviour, physiology and conservation, and many other staff who have ornithological interests.
- We benefit from expert input to this degree from the Wales office for the British Trust for Ornithology, which is located at Bangor University.
- We have our own natural history museum.
- We also have a research farm, botanical gardens, and a pigeon loft.
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.