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Undergraduate

Zoology BSc (Hons)

What is Zoology BSc (Hons)?

Learning in the field and lab, focusing on local and global zoology, you’ll explore the form and function of animals, their adaptions to the environment, interaction, physiology and evolution. You’ll examine animal behaviour from ants to primates and learn how to conduct surveys for a variety of animal populations.

Our biology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, and 11th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

The flexibility of our course means that after Year 1 you can maintain a broad interest in Zoology or specialise. You can also choose to switch degree entirely to our BSc Biology or BSc Wildlife Conservation Biology courses if you wish.

You’ll have the opportunity to progress from field training in the UK in Year 1 to field research overseas in Year 2 and field placements in Year 3, spanning the savannah of South Africa, the tropical rainforests of Borneo or mountains of Switzerland.

With a focus on small class, practical and field learning, you will be assessed entirely through coursework to gain a truly representative measure of graduate attributes sought by future employers and for postgraduate study.

Throughout, you’ll be guided by lecturers awarded for their teaching excellence and media work, and internationally-recognised for their frontline conservation research in bioscience.

Get Zoology BSc (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Entry requirements

    • 104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, BCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • We welcome and encourage applications from mature students (aged 21 and over). If you are taking an Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need to pass 60 credits with at least 45 credits at Level 3.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2023 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham C302 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2024 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham C302 TBC TBC

Possible careers

  • Zoologist
  • Ecologist
  • Wildlife Journalist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Wildlife Manager
  • Researcher/Teacher
  • Ecological Consultant

Industry links

We offer short-term internships and year-long placement options – so you can gain workplace experience, network with potential employers and obtain academic credit towards your degree. Recently our students have been placed with zoos, conservation groups and wildlife rangers. Others have gained teaching experience in schools to support their teacher training applications. And some have joined our research into hedgehog conservation, the microbiology of dormice nest-boxes, and seabird surveys using thermal imaging.

Learn from world-renowned experts

Our entomologist Professor Adam Hart and ornithologist Dr Anne Goodenough regularly make national media appearances – in particular on the annual Flying Ant and Starling Murmuration surveys. These are led jointly by the University of Gloucestershire and the Royal Society of Biology.

Excellent levels of student satisfaction

Learn in a supportive and personal environment. Our Bioscience courses ranked 1st nationally for overall student satisfaction in both the Guardian and The Times University League Tables in 2022.

"I invite students to work with me on my research projects"

“My particular passions are ornithology and conservation – anything connected with birds and how to conserve both birds and other species fascinates me. I frequently invite students to work with me on my research projects. I’ve now published 18 papers jointly with students – and I’m always delighted with the level of commitment and skill they demonstrate.”

Dr Anne Goodenough, Professor of Applied Ecology

"I've always loved biology"

“I guess growing up on the coast and spending my summers going through rock pools probably helped. It’s that fascination that’s taken me to some remarkable places and found me working with organisations such as the BBC, The Society of Biology and the EU Cooperation on Science and Technology. I’m recognised at the highest national levels as a biologist, entomologist, teacher and science communicator – and I think that’s a reflection of the enthusiasm I have for my subject.”

Adam Hart, Professor of Science Communication

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Ranked 11th in the UK for career prospects

Our biology courses are ranked in 11th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

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Ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction

Our biology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

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Ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction

Our biological sciences courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.

Placements

As part of your course you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

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