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.