About this course
Zoology is key to tackling some of the major challenges facing our planet today. These include the effects of global warming on animal life and the ecological impact of expanding populations. On this course, you'll explore animal physiology and behaviour. You'll discover how they interact with their environments on a range of field trips, to places like Spain, Belize and the New Forest.
This 3-year zoology degree will let you explore all areas of animal life from cell biology to entire ecosystems. You'll get in-depth training in the biological processes behind animal development, growth and function.
Our tutors are leading experts in a wide range of fields in zoology, including:
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evolution
-
behaviour
-
conservation
-
neuroscience
-
development
With this course you can:
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use the £50 million facilities in our Institute for Life Sciences building
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work with our active research staff on an independent research project
-
choose from a selection of modules that tailor your degree to your passions
-
spend a semester studying at a university in Europe or Australasia
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develop vital skills that employers look for
We also have close links with nearby conservation charity and zoo, Marwell Wildlife. This can provide even more opportunities to enhance your learning.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 45 credits must be at Distinction.
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB to include Biology and one further science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Biology and one further science subject
or
AA from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
79%-85% overall to include grade 8 in Biology and grade 8 in one further science subject. Acceptable science subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Biology and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 45 credits must be at Distinction.
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB to include Biology and one further science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 to include Biology and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Biology and one further science subject
or
AA from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
79%-85% overall to include grade 8 in Biology and grade 8 in one further science subject. Acceptable science subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You'll study compulsory and optional modules, and as the course progresses, you can focus more on your particular areas of interest.
This course is part of our Innovation Curriculum, so you can choose modules from other subject areas.
You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you customise your course.
In year 3 you'll complete an independent research project.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will give you a solid understanding of the key principles of zoology, covering:
-
physiology
-
molecular science
-
cell biology
-
ecology
-
genetics
You'll look at the patterns of life, and learn vital biomolecular techniques.
There is also a UK residential field trip, that will develop your fieldwork skills.
Year 2 overview
You'll take a number of compulsory modules, which explore areas such as:
-
animal behaviour
-
marine vertebrates
-
evolution
-
quantitative methods
Optional modules will allow you to further develop your personal interests. These include topics like:
-
pollution
-
neuroscience
-
genetic information
-
behaviour
-
palaeobiology
-
geographic information systems
You can enhance your fieldwork experience with field courses in the New Forest or Spain.
Year 3 overview
In your final year you'll complete an independent research project. There will be a wide range of project types to choose from, including:
-
laboratory
-
field
-
computer-based
-
bioscience education
-
science communication
You'll also choose from a wide range of optional modules to build on what you've learned so far. These include:
-
cell biology
-
ecology and evolution
-
toxicity
-
behavioural ecology
-
global challenges
You can also choose to take a 14-day field trip to Belize to study tropical ecology.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...
The module teaches how to formulate hypotheses and structure an experimental proposal, ultimately leading to data dissemination in form of a presentation / report / scientific paper. The module connects to real problems, where success in own experimental...
In this module you will explore and explain patterns of global biodiversity over space and time, affecting a wide variety of lineages. We will begin as 18th century natural historians, considering the impact of new discoveries, due to the invention of the...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module provides an introduction to the study of animal behaviour taking an integrative approach that addresses animal behaviour from ethological, ecological and evolutionary angles and to review the basic concepts of behaviour as a science.
A 5 day field course held in Bolonia on the Andalucian coast of Southern Spain, within the Estrecho natural park. The field course will take place during the Easter holidays, when there is a large diversity of flora and fauna to survey. As a residential f...
The module seeks to: - explore the main evolutionary processes - consider evolution at the phenotypic as well as the molecular level - consider evolutionary processes occurring at different time scales
This module develops analytical skills required for the final year Honours Project, scientific research in general, and your future career. The major skills are computer literacy and graphical presentation, understanding of scientific method and hypothes...
This module provides the second year student with the basic concepts of human and other vertebrate animal development. Students will come to understand the main mechanisms behind both animal development and organised cellular differentiation and how these...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
We are now losing our biodiversity on a massive scale worldwide - a current extinction crisis fuelled by human-induced threats. There is an urgent need to educate our next generation conservation scientists and practitioners so that they are well-equipped...
The module includes an introduction to bioinformatics and its role in modern 'Omics' technologies; developments in DNA sequencing technologies; bioinformatic analyses of DNA; sequence alignment and biological databases.
This module focuses on nucleic acid and protein biogenesis with particular emphasis on the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins and key regulatory steps. Material relating to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms will be covered.
This module provides an understanding of plant function and development at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level.
This module builds on the basic principles of population ecology introduced in year 1, to achieve a broad appreciation of current theory and practice in population and community ecology. Lectures and practicals will explore the processes involved in the d...
Year 3 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 3:
While scientific discovery may be ethically neutral, its application can raise profound ethical questions, in which there is often disagreement and misunderstanding in both the scientific community and the general public. It is therefore important to unde...
The aim of this module is to provide third year students with an introduction to commercialization of biosciences. The current focus is on the process of drug discovery, the subsequent management of clinical trials and marketing of commercial drug product...
The students will be expected to carry out an in-depth literature review into a biological concept or topic in semester 1, and to then design an innovative educational activity to convey their research to groups of people in semester 2.
This module provides a detailed and up-to-date study of a small number of topics in modern cell biology
Evolution typically happens over long time periods, with organisms being selected based on their environments. But climate change and human factors can also increase the rate of evolution. In this module we show how organisms evolve in terms of their envi...
Science Communication involves the dissemination of science to a lay audience. Equally as important; a good scientist is a good communicator. Science Communication is essential as an aid for governmental and industrial policy making. It is needed to coun...
Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental component of the project. The fieldwork is re...
Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental/analytical component of the project. The topi...
Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental component of the project. The laboratory work...
This module provides an opportunity for study in depth of a topic chosen by the student after consultation with the coordinator and an appropriate supervisor.
This module provides an opportunity for study in depth of a topic chosen by the student after consultation with the coordinator and an appropriate supervisor
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. The module discusses selected examples and explains techniques used to study molecular interactions.
This module explores, in depth, selected topics in plant cell biology that are basic to our understanding of the way in which plant cells develop, function and interact with each other and with their surroundings. Areas covered include: vacuole and chlor...
Science Communication involves the dissemination of science to a lay audience. Equally as important; a good scientist is a good communicator. Science Communication is essential as an aid for governmental and industrial policy making. It is needed to coun...
Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental component of the project. The fieldwork is re...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Neil Gostling is the course leader.
Careers
As a Southampton graduate, you’ll have a wide variety of job options. Some will directly use your scientific abilities, others will draw on the broader set of analytical skills gained throughout your course.
You'll also be ideally placed to continue your research with a master's or PhD.
Our Zoology BSc graduates find careers in areas such as:
-
teacher training
-
veterinary medicine
-
animal and farm management
-
conservation and the environment
-
agriculture
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: C300
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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