Bachelor of Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Derby

University of Derby

United Kingdom, Derby

University Rank:#1201

International students can study the Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Derby across its Derby Campus and Kedleston Road campuses in United Kingdom. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered across its Derby Campus and Kedleston Road campuses. Students can apply for the next intake starting on September 1, 2026.

About Bachelor of Zoology with Foundation Year

This degree offers you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

This hands-on course, including fieldwork and placement opportunities, will give you the intellectual and practical skills needed to understand the complexities of the animal kingdom, such as behaviour, ecology, conservation and genetics.

Fieldwork opportunities in the UK and overseas - the costs of mandatory trips are included in your course fee
Facilities include an Aquatic Research Facility, glasshouse, insectary, and specialist laboratories - take a virtual tour
Tailor to your career ambitions through a range of modules
Learn from research-active lecturers - current research includes coral reef conservation, the evolution of primate behaviour, and climate change
The content of this course is aligned to the priorities of global initiatives, like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
This course was one of the first of its kind in the country to receive accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology - we also have accredited degree pathway status from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Gain practical experience through placements and internships with our partner organisations. This course can be studied with or without an Industrial Placement Year

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Derby

Entry Requirements

Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
Students with an overall score of 60% would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year
UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required

If you are studying and completing any internationally recognised qualification such as A-levels; International Baccalaureate (IB) or the American Curricula from the International Schools within Jordan, then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelors degree. Please see individual course pages for specific entry requirements
If you have completed a recognised international foundation programme with good grades
Advanced entry to year 2 or 3 may be possible. You will need to supply detailed information including courses taken, grades achieved, syllabus and a grading guide

English Requirements

PTEMin 54
IELTSMin 6

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Zoology with Foundation Year

"Completing a research placement at Birmingham's National Sea Life Centre was an incredibly strong and positive addition to my studies at the University of Derby. It really helped develop my CV, enhanced my PhD applications and gave me a head start in my career pathway." Ben Mcilwaine, BSc (Hons) Zoology graduate

Our focus is on ensuring you develop strong intellectual, technical and personal skills to build an impressive CV and meet the needs of employers. With opportunities for internships, volunteering and placements, our hands-on approach to study will ensure you're ready for the world of work.

Recent graduates have gone on to work in areas such as:

Zoos and wildlife parks
Wildlife trusts
RSPCA
Environment Agency
Veterinary practices
Conservation
Teaching
Scientific Civil Service

Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable skills, including:

Scientific writing and use of scientific software
Written and verbal communication
Research and statistical analysis
Data handling and analysis
Personal motivation, organisation and self-reflection
Digital competency
Laboratory and fieldwork analysis
Critical awareness
Project management

In addition, our zoology course provides an excellent preparation if you would like to move on to further study, including medical qualifications, a masters degree or a PhD.

Careers and Employment Service

To boost your employment skills, you can access the University's Careers and Employment Service. The team can connect you with employers to help find opportunities for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. Our careers consultants are also on hand to guide you through the career options for your degree, CV writing, or starting your own business - and we commit to helping you for three years after you graduate to find a job.

Fee Information

How to Apply

Before you begin your application make sure you have:

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates/transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application
A scanned copy of your passport or other official photographic ID e.g. photo driving licence. This will help us verify your application to study with us. If you do not have any photo ID, we will accept a scanned copy of your birth certificate. International applicants can only provide a copy of their passport for visa assessment purposes
Your work experience (optional). You can upload a CV into your application or provide the company names and addresses of up to three of your employers
A personal statement showing your interest for the course/subject. This is a mandatory requirement and you will be able to upload it into your application. You may want to include your reasons for applying for the course, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies. You could also tell us about your non-academic experiences such as hobbies, interests, participation in any clubs, societies or voluntary work
A relevant reference for the course you have applied for. The reference should be in written format and supplied on company-headed paper, signed and dated from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
If you need to supply two references, this usually means you need to provide one academic reference from any recent study and one employer reference
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

For more information please see our online application guide.

International applications

Please ensure you supply the above documents and information when you apply. In addition, you will be required to submit evidence of your English language ability
If you are applying as an international applicant and are using an agent you will need to provide the agent number in the application. Your agent will have a 9 digit ID number from the University of Derby International Office. Please contact your agent to obtain this number

Bachelor of Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Derby

University of Derby

United Kingdom, Derby