Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc in Zoology

The University of Pretoria is the top-ranked institution in Africa for the subject of Zoology and is home to the internationally renowned Mammal Research Institute.

Programme Information

Zoology is the scientific study of animal life. In the Bachelor of Science in Zoology programme, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand, protect, and manage the diversity of wild African animals. This will involve training in animal evolution and diversity, physiology, behaviour, and ecology, as well as related scientific fields.

The Bachelor of Science in Zoology is the ideal programme for those who want to know how animals interact with each other, sense and respond to their surroundings, can be harvested sustainably, and can be protected against human threats. This degree can lead to a career as a wildlife or marine biologist, biology teacher, conservation officer, animal welfare officer, environmental consultant or manager, zoo or aquarium curator, museum collection curator, game ranger, epidemiologist, and researcher, among others.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will play pivotal roles in managing the conflict between a growing human population and the conservation of unique biodiversity in Africa. They could be employed by public and private nature conservancies, environmental consultancies, and conservation planning agencies, medical and veterinary research institutions, in biochemical and biotechnology industries, at educational institutions, in IT-related fields, and the corporate sector. These jobs usually involve a stimulating combination of problem-solving, analytical work, and fieldwork.

Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication, and correspondence. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from actuaries to zoologists and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.

Admission Requirements

• Achievement level
  • English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 5
  • Mathematics: 5
  • Physical Sciences: 5
  • APS: 32
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Duration

The minimum duration of the programme is 3 years, full-time.

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025

Note

Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements. Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed. Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.