Program Overview

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Zoology BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This course is designed for students who are passionate about animals and the environment. It offers a comprehensive education in zoology, covering the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and provides students with a solid foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, preparing them for a career in zoology or related fields.

Study Options

• Full-Time
• Part-Time (BSc)
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BSc)

Level

• Undergraduate

UCAS Code

• 5C18

UCAS Points

• 112

Start Date

• October 2025
• October 2026

Duration

• 3-6 years

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Course Leader

• Dr. Candice Owen

Available with:

• Foundation Year

Accreditations

• Royal Society of Biology

Course Contents

Course Summary

The BSc Zoology course provides a comprehensive education in zoology, covering the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in zoology or related fields.

Why You'll Love It

• Work directly with research-active experts
• Prime access to top resources and employers
• Find your fire with plenty of hands-on opportunities

What You'll Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Foundation Year

In the Foundation Year, students will be introduced to studying zoology at undergraduate level through the Physical and Natural Sciences Foundation Year route. The Foundation Year is designed to give students a strong knowledge and skills base aligned with the zoology degree.

Year 1

In Year 1, students will be introduced to key biological concepts and content, including animal physiology, behavior, ecology, and diversity. The main aim of the Level 4 year is to introduce students to all the basic concepts and knowledge on how animals work and interact that will be required for further, more complex learning in the later Levels.

Year 2

In Year 2, students will cover core topics relating to how animals are adapted to the varied environments that they live in and how they behave in their local contexts. Optional modules at Level 5 allow students to start curating their own pathway towards their dream career working with the animals that they love.

Year 3

In Year 3, the focus is on preparing students for graduate employment with modules that require the application of their pre-learned knowledge to various professional contexts. Core modules include opportunities to develop sustainable business and communication skills, as well as knowledge and skills about the problems of and practical approaches required for the applied conservation of animals.

Modules

Level 4

• Science of Life (40 Credits) Core
• Exploring and Researching Life Sciences (40 Credits) Core
• Global Biodiversity (20 Credits) Core
• Project Based Learning in Biosciences (20 Credits) Optional

Level 5

• Adaptations to the Environment (20 Credits) Core
• Behavioural Ecology (20 Credits) Core
• Human Impacts and Technological Solutions (20 Credits) Option
• Vertebrate Conservation (20 Credits) Option
• Invertebrate Biology (20 Credits) Option
• Work Placement - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional
• Experiential Learning - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional

Level 6

• Biological Enterprise (20 Credits) Core
• Applied Conservation (20 Credits) Core
• Dissertation (40 Credits) Core
• Environmental Systems and Consultancy (20 Credits) Option
• Zoo and Museum Collections Management (20 Credits) Option
• Agroecology (20 Credits) Option
• Applied Entomology and Parasitology (20 Credits) Option

How You'll Learn

• Teaching takes place across lecture, laboratory practical, PC practical, and field trip settings
• You will be assessed in a variety of real-world, authentic ways, which may include choice, with no exams
• This course is designed around in-person study
• Study 2-3 core modules and choose between 1-3 optional modules per year

Entry Requirements

Home Students

• UCAS points: 112
• GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC Must include A Level Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science
• BTEC: BTEC Diploma (Applied Science, Animal Management): DD BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science or Animal Management): DMM

International Students

• UCAS points: 72
• GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D in A level Biology or Chemistry
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science or Animal Management): MMP

Foundation Year

• UCAS points: 72
• GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D in A level Biology or Chemistry
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science or Animal Management): MMP

Fees and Funding

Home Students

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Students

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Mandatory costs:
  • Lab induction pack: £30.00
  • Compulsory residential field trip: £100
• Optional costs:
  • Travel overseas: £2,000-£3,000
  • Welcome Week trip: £10
  • Waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots: variable cost

Course Team

• Dr. Candice Owen: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Lottie Hosie: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Nwamaka Akpodiete: Lecturer
• Kev Palmer: Lecturer
• Dr. Jordan Ryder: Lecturer
• Dr. Matt Geary: Associate Professor
• Dr. Virginia Harvey: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Jodie Gruber: Lecturer
• Dr. Sonya Hill: Deputy Head
• Helen Taylor-boyd: Lecturer
• Dr. Emmeline Howarth: Lecturer
• Dr. Christina Stanley: Deputy Head

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

• Graduate employment opportunities include working for a local authority or wildlife organisation, as well as for national bodies or international NGOs
• Work might involve wildlife or captive animal protection/management, policy, sustainability projects, or environmental monitoring
• Other employment routes include careers in teaching, science education, and outreach

Careers Service

• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences
• Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed, and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations

Related Courses

• Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)
• Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
• Animal Welfare Science BSc (Hons)