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Zoology at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

Zoology is the science of animals. In this course, you will develop an understanding of all aspects of animal biology in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. You will gain in-depth knowledge of animal ecology and evolution, and develop the key lab skills in animal behaviour, molecular biology, physiology, and cellular biology that are sought after by employers and are necessary for postgraduate education. You will gain key practical experience in diverse laboratory and field practicals across your studies and have the opportunity to participate in residential field courses in years one and two, giving you first-hand experience of a range of ecosystems. Recent field course locations include Slapton in Devon and Kenya.

  • Study the biology of animals in marine, terrestrial and freshwater aquatic habitats. A spectacular range of these habitats are right on our doorstep.
  • Gain a strong foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, evolution and genetics.
  • Develop high-level laboratory skills across animal biology in a wide range of taxa and habitats and gain key transferable skills that are sought after by employers.
  • Undertake in-depth field studies of animals, which could include residential courses in the UK and abroad or alternatives that develop field techniques and familiarity with a wide range of ecosystems and fauna.
  • Undertake self-study throughout your course, using our well-equipped library and range of online scientific journals, as well as LABPlus, our unique laboratory and resource centre designed for science and engineering students.
  • Have the opportunity to boost your employability by taking a placement year between your second and final years of study, working in the industry, anywhere in the world – you can read more about this in the 'course details' section of this page.
  • Undertake an extended personal research project on a range of topics, often linked to ongoing staff research, in your final year.
  • Benefit from our strong links with external organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts, the Natural History Museums in London and Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium, the Field Studies Council, Whitley Wildlife Trust, the Donkey Sanctuary and Dartmoor National Park.
  • Explore a range of contemporary issues in zoology.

Modules

Year 1 In your first year, you'll learn the core skills and fundamental science required to be able to study zoology. Study evolution, behaviour, physiology, microbiology and ecology, whilst developing your skills in experimental design and interpretation. Understand the importance of statistical analyses in scientific studies. You'll gain these skills and through a mix of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals. You'll also have the possibility to undertake a field trip to Slapton Ley in South Devon or an alternative to study the ecology and behaviour of organisms in the wild. Year 2 You will develop a deeper understanding of animal behaviour, comparative zoology, ecophysiology, phylogeny and scientific investigation skills. You will also tailor your skills for the workplace, by specialising in optional modules in conservation biology or the biology of marine organisms. A field course will allow you to put skills and knowledge gained in the lectures to us, developing your practical and transferable skills. Optional placement year Final year Your personal research project forms a major part of your final year. Alongside this, you’ll build on advanced skills and concepts in biological disciplines as well as considering speciation and the diversity of life. You’ll select modules from a range of options including behavioural ecology, global change biology, conservation physiology, fish and fisheries and animal welfare which will allow you to tailor your studies and prepare you as a zoologist ready to move onto the workplace or further study. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website.

Assessment method

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected].

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Must have GCSE Maths and English at grade C /4 or above.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With 5.5 in all elements.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
61%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
91%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Zoology at University of Plymouth - UCAS