Zoology (with Foundation Year)

Course overview

Immerse yourself in the theory and practical application of zoology, for a fulfilling career conserving the biodiversity of our planet and protecting animal species across the globe.

You’ll explore how animals evolve, interact and function, how human activity affects animal populations, how zoos contribute to conservation, and much more. The field course module allows you to see the impact of conservation first-hand, and you get to choose whether you do this in either South Africa, Devon, or more locally, around Gloucestershire. There is also a residential field course with a UK zoo.

The foundation year will provide the ideal springboard to the rest of the programme, supporting you in developing an understanding of scientific principles and key practical skills.

You’ll learn from experienced animal scientists, conservationists and industry practitioners to develop field and laboratory skills which are in great demand by employers.

You’ll have the option to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or overseas, to gain additional experience. You'll also be able to undertake a flexible professional study experience.

Our facilities provide fantastic opportunities to develop real-life experience. These include a range of laboratories, a 70-species Animal Collection, and commercial animal therapy centres. Our 360-hectare estate is ideal for learning a range of survey techniques and for studying British wildlife.

What you'll study

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

You’ll study a broad range of zoology-related topics through your core modules, which will address evolution, ecology, conservation biology and the structure and function of animals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Level three foundation year (year one)

Develop the key knowledge and skills to succeed in the remaining three years of the degree. Gain an understanding of biological principles, animal science and research skills, and work with animal students from across the department.

Level four (year two)

Learn how animals function, behave and evolve, and how they’re affected by interaction with humans; such as through nutrition, welfare and study. You’ll develop your practical skills in the laboratory and in the field. Receive training in a variety of field survey methods, such as small mammal trapping, bat surveying, and animal and plant identification. You’ll develop academic skills in assignment writing and research, ready for the rest of your degree.

Level five (year three)

Explore the real-world problems associated with a human-dominated world and consider how animals evolve both in natural and human-altered landscapes. You’ll understand a range of research methods, ready to use in scientific research projects and choose to go on one of the three exciting field trips. These choices are Mankwe reserve in South Africa, the south coast of Devon or to more local sites around Gloucester.

Integrated placement year (optional)

An optional year between the third and final year offers the opportunity to put knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Learn about the impact of conservation, both in the wild and in captivity, including contact with zoos, nature reserves and industry experts. You’ll undertake a scientific research project, with the opportunity to work with an industry partner to ensure it addresses real industry issues. Previous students have worked with West Midlands Safari Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Gloucester City Council, Operation Wallacea and Vale Wildlife Hospital amongst others. Students have presented research at national or international conferences, and been published in peer-reviewed academic press.

Please visit our document library for more module information.

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

Further details

Field trips and guest lecturers

There are two residential field trips as part of your programme. In year three, you’ll have the option of travelling to South Africa for a two-week stay at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, studying bushveld ecology and animal behaviour, and developing your field work skills further.

In your final year, you’ll attend a residential trip to a UK zoo, to explore all aspects of captive-based conservation, including zoo husbandry, reintroduction breeding and conservation education.

You’ll go on day trips throughout the degree, to organisations such as Cotswold Wildlife Park, Guide Dogs’ Breeding Centre, and Bristol Aquarium amongst others.

Recent guest speakers have included zookeepers, conservationists, and sustainability experts.

Study internationally

Our study abroad programme means you can make the most of opportunities to study a semester of your degree at one of our partner institutions, while achieving credits towards your degree.

Graduate destinations

As a zoology graduate, you could go on to work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or rescue, conservation or welfare centres. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

• Instructor, Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Animal Welfare Assistant, Blue Cross
• Editorial Assisatant, BSAVA
• Zookeeper, Bristol Zoo
• Guest Experience Manager, Bristol Aquarium
• Postgraduate Study - MRes Animal Behaviour and Welfare, MRes Anthrozoology

Tuition fees and financial support

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

Optional field trips (up to circa £1,750)

Many field trips are included in the course fees, however, a couple are not, as follows:

• Year 3 core module, Field Course, offers one of three field trip options. The first two are residential trips to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa and Slapton Ley in Devon, respectively. The third option consist of day visits to sites more locally around Gloucestershire. On each of these trips the students will study the ecology and ethology of the local area. The South Africa trip is popular, and places are limited and costs in the region of £1800, the trip to Devon costs around £600 while the trips around Gloucestershire will be free to those students who choose this option.

• Final year compulsory module, Wildlife Management and Conservation Genetics, includes a residential trip to a UK zoo, costing around £150 for accommodation.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.