Program Overview

Zoology (BSc)

Overview

Zoology is the study of animals, from the simplest invertebrates to the largest terrestrial or marine mammals. Simple animals often provide models for the study of higher, more complex species (including humans) and help drive basic research that transcends the subject boundaries. Animals interact with each other and with their environment, forming complex relationships such that zoologists need a broad understanding of the living world, life processes and the animal kingdom. Importantly, zoonotic diseases are an ever growing threat to human health, e.g. Covid-19. Exciting progress is being made in animal biology and behaviour, animal health and welfare and in the management of animal communities, emerging infectious diseases, conservation, de-extinction and addressing climate change making this the perfect time to study Zoology.

Highlights

• Student Experience: Work placements on these programmes provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment. Past students have gained work placement within organisations such as Belfast City Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Castle Espie, National Trust, North Atlantic Whale Foundation, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Harnas Wildlife Foundation Namibia, Mopane & Mapesu Private Game Reserve, South Africa, Health Service, Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Turtle Foundation and many more.
• Professional Accreditations: Royal Society Accreditation. This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Ultimately this award highlights the academic quality of the course and its contribution in ensuring that its graduates meet employer needs by acquiring the necessary skill set of both technical and transferable skills.
• Global Opportunities: Zoologists at QUB have the opportunity to avail of the strong international links with Universities in South Africa, America and Canada. In addition there is the opportunity to volunteer or carry out projects at many international sites including the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, African Wildlife rehabilitation centres in Namibia and South Africa as well as many other countries.
• Internationally Renowned Experts: Jonathan Scott – Conservationist, award winning wildlife photographer, author and big cat specialist (QUB Zoology graduate). Local expert – Professor Alan Stitt – Dean of Innovation and Impact (QUB) and McCauley Chair of Experimental Ophthalmology, RVH (QUB Zoology graduate)

Course Structure

• Stage 1: This module combination provides students, who may be undecided as to their final specialist degree area, with considerable flexibility as they enter Stage 2; at this stage students enrolled in Zoology can move into Marine Biology or Biological Sciences or vice versa.
• Stage 2: Work Placement. Zoology students can complete a 16 week degree- related work placement. Zoology with Professional Studies students will complete a one year degree related work placement.
• Stage 3: The research project generally involves practical work carried out in the field and laboratory or at Queen’s University Marine Laboratory in Portaferry, or in one of the many active areas of research in the School of Biological Sciences such as Parasitology, Animal Physiology and Tracking, Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare and Zoonotic Diseases. Additionally, it may be carried out during summer placement.

Modules

Core Modules

• Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
• Environmental Biology (20 credits)
• Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
• Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
• Biodiversity (20 credits)
• World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
• Comparative Animal Physiology (20 credits)
• Invertebrate Biology (20 credits)
• Vertebrate Biology (20 credits)
• Research Project (40 credits)
• Parasitology (20 credits)

Optional Modules

• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II (20 credits)
• Scientific Research Skills: From Fieldwork to Reporting (20 credits)
• Applied Ecology (20 credits)
• Diagnostic Microbiology (20 credits)
• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1 (20 credits)
• Applied Genetics (20 credits)
• Advanced Cell Biology (20 credits)
• Cell Biology (20 credits)
• Coastal and Oceanic Biology (20 credits)
• Applied Ecology with Field Course (20 credits)
• Work Placement (20 credits)
• Microorganisms in Action (20 credits)
• Forensics and Toxicology (20 credits)
• Global Change Biology (20 credits)
• Conservation Biology (20 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
• Behavioural Ecology (20 credits)
• Sustainable Oceans (20 credits)
• Zoonoses (20 credits)
• Farm Animal Health and Welfare (20 credits)
• Immunology and Immunotherapy (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A level requirements: BBB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
• Irish leaving certificate requirements: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics.
• Access Course: Successful completion of a relevant Science based Access Course (120 credits) with an average of 80% and no less than 70% in any module.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred) or Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Careers

• Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. These positions encompass areas of innovative research and development of new products, advisory and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organisations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.
• Graduates pursue careers in teaching, nature conservation and laboratory- based posts in biomedical, industrial, pharmaceutical, academic and government institutions as well as in universities and colleges of higher education. The remainder undertake further training in areas such as computing, administration and management or medicine (human or veterinary), developing their skills from a sound scientific background.
• Employers are looking for graduates with generic skills of communication, problem-solving, data analysis, social skills, a range of interests and a record of success. We believe that a degree in Zoology will help our students to develop these skills.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £26,600
• International: £26,600

Additional Course Costs

• Year 1 student are required to buy a laboratory coat at a cost of £10, a dissection kit at a cost of £20 and an E-Book at a cost of £25.
• The following modules have a compulsory field trip:
  • Compulsory Module: Year 1 Environmental Biology Module has a fieldtrip costing £150
  • Optional Modules: Year 2 Coastal and Oceanic Biology has a field trip costing £200, Year 2 Applied Ecology with Field Course Module has a field trip costing £200
• All students may apply to go on a School Workplace Tour at a cost of £100.

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
• Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2026) subject to the availability of places.
• Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2026.