BSc Zoology
-
UCAS code
C300 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Study animals in their natural habitat – gaining expertise in evolution, physiology, behaviour and conservation – with our BSc Zoology degree.
Not many degrees give you the opportunity to get your hands on a lion’s skull at the University’s own museum, but with our three-year BSc Zoology course, that’s just a tiny part of what’s on offer.
Zoology is the science of animals: whether you’re passionate about one particular group of animals, or interested in the subject as a whole, we’ll help you get the most out of your degree.
Choose BSc Zoology at the University of Reading
- 92% of our graduates are in work or study 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Biological Sciences).
- All graduates are eligible for membership of The Royal Society of Biology and can apply for Chartered Biologist status.
Many other universities offer a one-size-fits-all, shared first year to all students – from ecologists to biochemists – but, at Reading, you’ll study animals from day one.
Enthusiastic academics from the School of Biological Sciences will teach you about animal life at all levels, from the simplest forms through to birds and mammals.
Your zoology studies will explore the breadth of the animal world, including:
- populations
- ecosystems
- animal behaviour
- evolution
- biodiversity
- conservation.
Our wide range of optional modules enables you to follow your specific interests in this vast, fascinating area of study. We are currently in the process of applying for accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology to further enhance this course.
Field courses
Field courses are one of the most popular aspects of our degree, offering unique opportunities for real-world, experiential learning.You’ll develop practical experience of lab and field research techniques, equipping you with essential skills and confidence and boosting your employability.
In your second year, our field courses could take you to a variety of locations across Europe and beyond. For example, our Tropical Zoology Field Course module has allowed students to learn first-hand about the amazing wildlife, biodiversity, and conservation efforts in locations such as:
- Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
- Borneo
- Madagascar.
In your final year, you can complete a field or lab-based research project under expert supervision – an opportunity no longer offered in many universities. Our projects have ranged from studying urban mammals such as hedgehogs, foxes and red kites, to insects and pond or fresh-water animals, to animals in zoos.
Specialist facilities
Your studies will be based in our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building. This space features:
- research and teaching laboratories
- seminar rooms
- study and social space
- a cafe.
The building is also home to the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, comprising more than 3,500 natural specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
The Museum will feature extensively in your zoology studies, offering unique opportunities to develop hands-on skills in taxonomy and natural history conservation. As a student, you can also volunteer at the museum and receive training in curation.
Placements with BSc Zoology
Our degree offers placement opportunities, either as a one-year option with our BSc Zoology with Professional Experience, or as a short summer module.
Placements are available across the UK and around the world – past students have travelled to regions as diverse as Canada, New Zealand, the Azores, and Iceland.
Recent placements have included:
- Bristol Zoo
- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Quantock Ecology
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
- Environment Agency.
You’ll receive advice and support to find your ideal placement. For more information, visit our Zoology placement webpages.
- Luke Forrest completed a one-year placement at Dstl, enhancing the behaviour and training of operational search dogs, and acquired the skills and experience to land a job with them after he graduated.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year abroad at one of our partner universities across the world.
All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.
Visit the Study Abroad website for more information.
Overview
Study animals in their natural habitat – gaining expertise in evolution, physiology, behaviour and conservation – with our BSc Zoology degree.
Not many degrees give you the opportunity to get your hands on a lion’s skull at the University’s own museum, but with our three-year BSc Zoology course, that’s just a tiny part of what’s on offer.
Zoology is the science of animals: whether you’re passionate about one particular group of animals, or interested in the subject as a whole, we’ll help you get the most out of your degree.
Choose BSc Zoology at the University of Reading
- 92% of our graduates are in work or study 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Biological Sciences).
- All graduates are eligible for membership of The Royal Society of Biology and can apply for Chartered Biologist status.
Many other universities offer a one-size-fits-all, shared first year to all students – from ecologists to biochemists – but, at Reading, you’ll study animals from day one.
Enthusiastic academics from the School of Biological Sciences will teach you about animal life at all levels, from the simplest forms through to birds and mammals.
Your zoology studies will explore the breadth of the animal world, including:
- populations
- ecosystems
- animal behaviour
- evolution
- biodiversity
- conservation.
Our wide range of optional modules enables you to follow your specific interests in this vast, fascinating area of study. We are currently in the process of applying for accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology to further enhance this course.
Learning
Field courses
Field courses are one of the most popular aspects of our degree, offering unique opportunities for real-world, experiential learning.You’ll develop practical experience of lab and field research techniques, equipping you with essential skills and confidence and boosting your employability.
In your second year, our field courses could take you to a variety of locations across Europe and beyond. For example, our Tropical Zoology Field Course module has allowed students to learn first-hand about the amazing wildlife, biodiversity, and conservation efforts in locations such as:
- Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
- Borneo
- Madagascar.
In your final year, you can complete a field or lab-based research project under expert supervision – an opportunity no longer offered in many universities. Our projects have ranged from studying urban mammals such as hedgehogs, foxes and red kites, to insects and pond or fresh-water animals, to animals in zoos.
Specialist facilities
Your studies will be based in our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building. This space features:
- research and teaching laboratories
- seminar rooms
- study and social space
- a cafe.
The building is also home to the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, comprising more than 3,500 natural specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
The Museum will feature extensively in your zoology studies, offering unique opportunities to develop hands-on skills in taxonomy and natural history conservation. As a student, you can also volunteer at the museum and receive training in curation.
Placements with BSc Zoology
Our degree offers placement opportunities, either as a one-year option with our BSc Zoology with Professional Experience, or as a short summer module.
Placements are available across the UK and around the world – past students have travelled to regions as diverse as Canada, New Zealand, the Azores, and Iceland.
Recent placements have included:
- Bristol Zoo
- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Quantock Ecology
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
- Environment Agency.
You’ll receive advice and support to find your ideal placement. For more information, visit our Zoology placement webpages.
- Luke Forrest completed a one-year placement at Dstl, enhancing the behaviour and training of operational search dogs, and acquired the skills and experience to land a job with them after he graduated.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year abroad at one of our partner universities across the world.
All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.
Visit the Study Abroad website for more information.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB, including grade B in Biology and in a second science subject
Acceptable science subjects are: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall, including 5 in Biology and in a second science subject, both at higher level
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDD(Modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI1AB1 | Animal Behaviour | PROF Richard Sibly |
BI1BEA2 | Current Topics in Zoology and Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
BI1BEC1 | Building Blocks of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
BI1EAB1 | Animal Diversity | PROF Amanda Callaghan |
BI1EAD1 | Introduction to Evolutionary Processes | DR Louise Johnson |
BI1EC2 | Ecology | DR Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez |
BI1EZ12 | Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology | DR Chris Jones |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI1AP12 | Anatomy & Physiology | DR Natasha Barrett |
BI1BAC2 | Bacteriology and Virology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
BI1BF1 | Laboratory and Study Skills for Biomedicine | DR Francoise Mazet |
BI1BP2 | Pathology | DR Sam Boateng |
BI1ED2 | Mammals: diversity, behaviour & conservation | DR Phil Baker |
BI1EG1 | Plant Diversity, Structure and Utilisation | PROF Julie Hawkins |
BI1MB2 | Metabolic Biochemistry | DR Craig Hughes |
BI1S1 | Introductory Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
AP1A18 | Digestion and Nutrition | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI2EEE4 | Biodiversity: Exploiters and Exploited | PROF Julie Hawkins |
BI2EI4 | Invertebrate Zoology | DR Christopher Foster |
BI2EV45 | Vertebrate Zoology | DR Graham Luke |
BI2EX5 | Introduction to Entomology | DR Christopher Foster |
BI2EY5 | Birds: Diversity, Behaviour and Conservation | DR Christopher Foster |
BI2EZ45 | Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology 2 | DR Renee Lee |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI2BC45 | Cells and Immunity | DR Mike Fry |
BI2BE4 | Pharmacology and Toxicology | PROF David Leake |
BI2BMG4 | Molecular Genetics | DR Eva Kevei |
BI2EJFC | UK Biodiversity Field Skills | DR Christopher Foster |
BI2EMV4 | Management of Vertebrate Pests | DR Phil Baker |
BI2ERD4 | Reptiles and Dinosaurs | DR Brian Pickles |
BI2EVP5 | Venoms and Poisons | PROF Phillip Dash |
BI2MARBC | Marine Biology and Conservation | DR Glyn Barrett |
BI2NCP5 | Nature Conservation in Practice | DR Campbell Murn |
BI2PAB | Practical Animal Behaviour | DR Phil Baker |
BI2PLA | Summer Placement | DR Renee Lee |
AP2AE45 | Methods in Ecology and Environmental Management | PROF Simon Mortimer |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED2TS2 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
GV2F4 | Soil Ecology and Functions | PROF Elizabeth Shaw |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI3PRO | Research Project | DR Renee Lee |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI3AB7 | Selected Topics in Animal Behaviour | PROF Richard Sibly |
BI3BH8 | Mammalian Reproduction | PROF Phil Knight |
BI3BI8 | Neurobiology | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
BI3CP8 | Palaeoecology | DR Brian Pickles |
BI3EHD | Evolution in Health and Disease: Lessons from the Natural World | DR Dyan Sellayah |
BI3EUA | Ecology of Urban Areas | DR Phil Baker |
BI3EW8 | Conservation Biology | DR Graham Holloway |
BI3PB78 | Diversity and Identification of Plants | DR Alastair Culham |
BI3PRFC | Palaeoecology Research Field Course | DR Brian Pickles |
BI3S78 | Seminars in Biology | DR Louise Johnson |
BI3ZE8 | Zoonotic Epidemiology | DR Francoise Mazet |
AP3A100 | Equine Science | DR Kate Johnson |
AP3A101 | Canine and Feline Science | MRS Rebecca Morgan |
AP3A67 | Animal Welfare | MS Holly Vickery |
AP3AE75 | Wildlife and Farming | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP3AE80 | Ecosystem Services | DR Yuan Pan |
ED3TS3 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 3 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED3TS4 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
GV3POL | Environmental Pollution | DR Tom Sizmur |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
92% of our graduates are in work or study 15 months after the end of their course [1].
As a numerate scientist, you will graduate with transferable skills for a wide range of animal-based or biological sciences-based career.
Our BSc Zoology graduates enter a variety of careers, including:
- conservation
- ecotourism
- animal welfare
- education
- consultancy
- pharmaceuticals
- wildlife management
- agriculture
- the civil service
- local government conservation units
- animal charities.
If you’re interested in postgraduate study, we offer a number of zoology master’s courses.
- Matthew Greenwell enjoyed his BSc Zoology degree so much that he decided to pursue a PhD at Reading, aiming to positively impact the future of butterfly species.
[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Biological Sciences.