BSc (Hons) Zoology with Placement

Program Overview

BSc (Hons) - Zoology (with Sandwich Year)

Wildlife is an important part of all our lives. If you have a passion for learning about animals, animal care and animal management, and are wondering how to become a zoologist, this exciting and hands-on BSc Zoology course will prepare you for a future defending the planet.

Course Overview

On this zoology degree, you’ll gain an understanding of wildlife monitoring techniques using professional kit, and cover a broad range of topics including evolution, ecology and conservation, with visits to a variety of habitats.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• UCAS Code: C301
• Delivery Style: In-person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Minimum Entry Requirements

• 104-120 UCAS Tariff Points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics, and Science at grade 4/C or above
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, as well as Adult Literacy and Numeracy, are also accepted

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)
• Placement Year fee: Home £1,905, Overseas £2,980 (2025-2026)

Qualifications

• A-levels: BBD-BBB to include Biology at C or above
• T-levels: P (C+) – M. All Science subjects are accepted for entry to this course
• Access to HE: 30 credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass - Science based
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B - Science based
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM - to include Biology or Animal Management
• Scottish Highers: BBBC – AABB to include Biology
• Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 to include Biology
• Other experience: City & Guilds Extended Diploma in Animal Management

Course Structure

What you will learn

Zoology covers all aspects of animal biology and, as such, covers a fascinating range of often highly diverse topics. The modern zoologist needs to be the master of many disciplines.

Year one

• Vertebrate Zoology
• Invertebrate Zoology
• Ecology for Zoologists
• Animal Form and Function
• Animal Conservation Practice
• Core Zoology

Year two

• Exploring Research
• Zoological Monitoring Techniques
• Animal Behaviour
• Evolution and Biogeography
• British Wildlife
• Applied Zoology
• Placement Qualificatory Unit

Year three

• Placement Qualificatory Unit

Year four

• Dissertation
• Professional Skills in Zoology
• Behavioural Ecology
• Entomology and Parasitology (Optional)
• Behavioural Applications for Conservation (Optional)
• Population and Community Ecology (Optional)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

As a student at the University of Cumbria, you will be part of an inclusive learning community that recognises diversity.

How you will be assessed

Assessments are arranged to avoid overwhelming students. Throughout your course, you may apply your knowledge through exams, lab reports, critical analysis, presentations, and group work.

Additional Costs

• Books: Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.
• Stationery: Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) Zoology (with Sandwich Year) program is designed to prepare students for a future in the field of zoology. It emphasizes practical experience and hands-on learning, focusing on the conservation of animals and wildlife. Students gain knowledge of animal biology, evolution, ecology, and conservation practices. The program benefits from strong links with animal and wildlife organizations, offering placement opportunities for real-world application of knowledge.

Outline:

• Year One:
• Vertebrate Zoology:
This module covers the evolution and unique physiological characteristics of all vertebrate groups.
• Invertebrate Zoology: Students gain a comprehensive understanding of invertebrate adaptations and the success of each group.
• Ecology for Zoologists: The module explores ecosystem dynamics, population evolution, community development, and the challenges faced by ecosystems.
• Animal Form and Function: Students learn how animal species address basic life functions, such as respiration, digestion, excretion, and reproduction.
• Animal Conservation Practice: Students visit conservation sites, interact with conservation professionals, and participate in seminars to understand practical conservation efforts.
• Core Zoology: This module develops scientific skills, focusing on cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and lab practice.
• Year Two:
• Exploring Research:
This module equips students with the skills needed to design, conduct, and interpret scientific research.
• Zoological Monitoring Techniques: Students learn how to design monitoring regimes and apply suitable methods for monitoring various species in the field.
• Animal Behaviour: This module explores animal behavior principles and their applications to animal welfare and conservation.
• Evolution and Biogeography: Students learn about the mechanisms that generated biodiversity and the importance of evolutionary thinking in unifying life sciences.
• British Wildlife: This module focuses on identifying and observing British wildlife, including ecology and behavior aspects.
• Applied Zoology: Students develop and document a specialist field investigation relevant to their chosen program of study, applying data analysis techniques.
• Placement Qualificatory Unit: This unit prepares students for their sandwich year placement.
• Year Three:
• Placement Qualificatory Unit:
Students develop professional links and consolidate their skills in a workplace setting.
• Year Four:
• Dissertation:
This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.
• Professional Skills in Zoology: This module focuses on the practical and core skills needed for a career in zoology, applying knowledge to real-world frameworks.
• Behavioural Ecology: Students gain an evolutionary understanding of animal behavior, exploring why specific behaviors have evolved.
• Entomology and Parasitology (Optional): This module explores the diverse forms, adaptations, and lifestyles of insects and parasites.
• Behavioural Applications for Conservation (Optional): This module focuses on the application of animal behavior principles to conservation and management of animal populations.
• Population and Community Ecology (Optional): This module equips students with the principles and methods of population ecology, essential for managing animal populations for conservation or other purposes.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Exams
• Lab reports
• Critical analysis
• Presentations
• Group work
• Lab books containing working documents of lab practicals, observations, and illustrations of dissection work.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Classroom lectures
• Fieldwork
• Practical lab sessions
• Collaboration with local experts
• Field trips
• Seminars

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the zoology field, including:

• Zoologists
• Wildlife biologists
• Conservationists
• Researchers
• Environmental consultants
• Animal care professionals

Other:

• The program includes a strong emphasis on practical skills development and real-world applications.
• Students are encouraged to join the Carlisle Natural History Society.
• The program benefits from collaborations with organizations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
• Students have the opportunity to travel to West Africa for a fieldwork module, studying endangered species.
• The program is designed by professional zoologists with a deep understanding of the needs of the field.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK: £9,250 per year
• International: £13,575 per year
• Placement year: £1,650