Course summary

Zoology is the study of animal life at all levels, from the microscopic to the complex systems and interactions within large ecosystems. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our BSc Zoology with Foundation degree offers a combination of traditional and 21st century zoological science. unlike many other Zoology degrees that start with a general core biology year, we teach zoology from your first week at the University of Reading. We offer our students authentic assessments throughout the programme and opportunities to attend hands-on field courses, take work placements and go on field trips. Choose Zoology with Foundation at the University of Reading We offer field courses at home and abroad and teach optional topics including diving, palaeontological research, wildlife rescue and animal holding licences. Teaching laboratories, amazing research facilities. Home to the Cole Museum of Zoology. With the opportunity to volunteer and develop skills for a career in collection-based areas, as well as hands-on access to the collection of animal specimens. We also hold a large teaching collection of animal specimens which are used in practical classes. Our award winning beautiful biodiverse campus with more than 2,000 species spread over meadows, lakes and woodland allows us to teach ecology, terrestrial and freshwater zoology on site. This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year BSc Zoology course. It provides an excellent route to a degree in zoology if you do not have the typical entry requirements. Foundation year The foundation year will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed at university. You’ll develop core skills in academic study, writing and research. Course structure See our website for full module listings. You will begin by studying animal diversity, animal form and function, ecology and evolution and look at how our changing planet is impacting animal populations, leading to conservation subjects. In your second year you will go on to study both vertebrate and invertebrate anatomy and physiology, with choices to investigate ecological interactions, animal behaviour and conservation science. Module choices will enable you to choose specialties including conservation, palaeontology, urban ecology, and marine biology. Alongside a choice of optional modules, the capstone research project in your final year gives you the opportunity to explore your areas of interest and develop your analytical writing and practical skills. You can turn your degree into a four-year training by adding a placement year, turning your zoological skills into practical experience. Employability Overall, 94.7% of graduates of BSc Zoology and BSc Zoology with Professional Experience are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey). Our excellent employment figures reflect both the subject-specific and transferable skills you will develop which includes data analysis, writing, presentation skills and many animal related practical skills. We also have strong links with many institutions, including the Natural History Museum, who will be moving zoology collections to Reading, The Hawk Conservancy Trust, Dstl, RSPCA, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), Environmental Agency, and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). Our Sustainability Pledge The University is a leader in sustainability and environmental awareness, and we are proud to be ranked 1st in the People & Planet University League. You will have the opportunity to be a part of our amazing environmental story and undertake research on our campus, woodlands, and nature reserves.