Program Overview

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MSci Zoology (C303)

2026 entry

Course summary

Our MSci Zoology course is recommended for students with ambitions to continue in zoological research who want additional experience and a competitive edge when applying for PhDs or research jobs.

Modern zoology is interdisciplinary and we believe that you need to be aware of the depth and breadth of animal biology, from the molecular to the ecological. Our zoology degree begins broadly and introduces more choices in years two and three.

You will have the freedom to tailor your course to your interests and to specialise or maintain breadth in your studies. The range of research and transferable skills you will learn will enhance your employability as a graduate.

The additional fourth year of the MSci contains advanced skills training and a substantial research project which is especially valuable for those aiming for a career in biological sciences.

We have outstanding facilities in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building and the School of Biological Sciences has a world-class reputation for animal behaviour research. Many of our lecturers are world-leading researchers in animal behaviour and sensory biology and lead internationally recognised field studies on wild animal populations.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: ABB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course.

Application method

• UCAS (Code: C303)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA including Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

A-level contextual offer

• ABB including AB in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

BTEC

• DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Biology units.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

European Baccalaureate

• 85% overall, with 8.5 in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in Biology and another science-related subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/ Medical/ Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science subject, one achieved at 12 credits at Distinction and the other achieved at 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Zoology can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• See a list of all Biological Sciences degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.
• BSc Zoology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Cellular and Molecular Medicine