About this course
Our Zoology MSci course explores the effects of climate change on animal life, the ecological impact of populations, and the survival of endangered species. With our 4-year integrated master's, you'll take specialist modules and complete an advanced research project. You'll learn how to become a zoologist as you take extensive field trips to places like Spain, Belize and the New Forest.
This 4-year UK master's in zoology 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. Later in the course, you can specialise in different types of zoology.
You'll also carry out an extensive research project, and can collaborate with organisations in the UK or abroad.
Our tutors are leading experts in a wide range of fields in zoology, including:
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evolution
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behaviour
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conservation
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neuroscience
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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
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choose from a selection of modules that tailor your degree to your passions
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spend a semester studying at a university in Europe or Australasia
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develop vital skills that employers look for
We have close links with nearby conservation charity and zoo, Marwell Wildlife. They can provide more opportunities for fieldwork, and even collaborate with you on your final research project.
“The whole experience was absolutely insane and incredible at the same time – one of my biggest passions has always been wildlife presenting, Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham were huge idols off mine growing up, and so the opportunity to get a taste of that world was absolutely phenomenal. It was exciting to see the public engage with zoology and the wildlife around them, something that’s so important to me, and knowing that we made that happen was an amazing feeling.”
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.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAA 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:AAB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 36 points, with 18 points at Higher Level, including 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 at HL6) , 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
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAA 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:
AAB including Biology and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
AAB including Biology and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 36 points, with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +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 both 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.
You'll complete independent research projects in years 3 and 4.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will give you a solid understanding of the fundamentals of zoology, covering:
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physiology
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molecular science
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cell biology
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ecology
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genetics
You'll look at the patterns of life, and learn key 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, exploring areas such as:
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animal behaviour
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marine vertebrates
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evolution
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quantitative methods
Optional modules will further develop your personal interests. These include topics like:
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cell biology
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neuroscience
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genetic information
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behaviour
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palaeobiology
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medical microbiology
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adaptive physiology
You can enhance your fieldwork experience and choose from a field course in either the New Forest, or Spain.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete an independent research project that is either laboratory, field or computer based.
You'll also choose from a wide range of optional modules to build on what you've learned so far. These include:
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cell biology
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ecology and evolution
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neuroscience
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behavioural ecology
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bioethics
You can also choose to take a 14-day field trip to Belize to study tropical ecology.
Year 4 overview
In your last year, you'll complete an extended laboratory or a field-based research project, on a topic that interests you. This will add to your research knowledge and skills.
You'll also choose from a wide range of specialised optional modules. These include:
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NMR and optical spectroscopy
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computational methods
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applied ecology
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plant cell biology
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systems neuroscience
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molecular bioscience
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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 employment 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 PhD.
Our MSci Zoology graduates find careers in areas such as:
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teacher training
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veterinary medicine
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animal and farm management
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conservation and the environment
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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/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: C301
- 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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000