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Zoology at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS

Course summary

Explore and understand the diversity of animal biology – from amoebae to zebras, and from world-class zoos to the rainforests of Africa and beyond. Why study Zoology at ARU?

  • Study in Cambridge – a hub of expertise and wildlife institutions headquarters, and home to our £45m Science Centre.
  • Get hands-on using world-class equipment in our 200 seat SuperLab, as well as on residential trips around the UK, with the added opportunity to study ecology in the tropics, and zoos in the Netherlands.
  • Study on a course developed in line with industry standards, with accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.
  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed, developed, and run with local employers such as the Wildlife Trust and Cambridge City Council, giving you exposure to ‘real life’ problem-solving.
  • Gain valuable employment experience by applying for internships supporting research, or opt for our placement year with a range of exciting employers.
On our course you’ll build a skill set in anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, ecology and evolution, and the importance of wildlife conservation. You'll explore and explain the diversity of animals from all over the globe. Take part in cutting-edge research in our specialist labs, and study zoology in marine and terrestrial systems. As part of your studies, you’ll get the opportunity to learn hands-on zoology skills with plenty of time in our labs in Cambridge, as well as on field trips around the UK and beyond. Develop the scientific training and practical skills you need for a career in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy or in zoos. Our zoology course covers essential topics such as ecophysiology, ecology, animal behaviour, conservation and biodiversity and genetics. As students you learn how environmental factors influence animal life and conduct statistical analyses to interpret data. The curriculum includes hands-on laboratory work and field trips, allowing for real-world observation and study of various species and their habitats. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are integrated to analyse spatial data, enhancing understanding of animal distributions and ecosystem dynamics. Our assessments include innovative “live briefs” where you work with respected organisations to help answer important questions. In addition, other assessments include, video presentation, research grant proposal, laboratory reports and field notebooks. This comprehensive approach equips students for careers in research, conservation, and environmental/ wildlife management, veterinary science, and education. Fostering a deeper understanding of animal life and its significance. Cambridge is fast becoming a world centre for wildlife conservation, it’s home to Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. During your time with us, you’ll have opportunities to attend lectures and visit specialist museums, such as the Cambridge Museum of Zoology, and libraries in the University of Cambridge to build up your knowledge and gain industry connections for the future. This degree will open up a world of professional careers relating to the biology of animals. You could choose to work in the field, in the laboratory, or both – anywhere in the world. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be able to apply for membership of the Zoological Society of London, the Royal Society of Biology, and other professional organisations. We’re a member of the Tropical Biology Association, which offers training, support and networking opportunities for professionals working in conservation.

Modules

Year 1: Animal Physiology and Behaviour (30 credits) Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (30 credits) Principles of Biology (30 credits) Quantitative Techniques and Tools for Biologists (30 credits) Professional and Personal Development - Level 4 Year 2 Core Modules: Invertebrate Biology (15 credits) Vertebrate Biology (15 credits) Principles of Genetics and Evolution (15 credits) Ruskin Module (15 credits) Biological Research Skills (15 credits) Field Skills in Biology (15 credits) GIS and Spatial Ecology (15 credits) Professional and Personal Development - Level 5 Year 2 Optional Modules: Animal Health and Disease (15 credits) Evolutionary Bases of Behaviour (15 credits) Year 3 Core Modules: Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits) Comparative Ecophysiology (15 credits) Wildlife Conservation (15 credits) Year 3 Optional Modules: Population Ecology and Wildlife Management (15 credits) Tropical Ecology and Management (15 credits) Behavioural Ecology (15 credits) Biogeography (15 credits) Zoos and Zoo Animal Management (15 credits) Professional Field Ecology (15 credits) Sustainable Land Management (15 credits) Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits) Human-Animal Interactions (15 credits) Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour (15 credits)

Assessment method

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to help you measure your progress. Besides exams, these include essays, practical reports, computer-based assessments, presentations, debates, classroom- or laboratory-based tests, and reviews of scientific papers.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
C300
Institution code:
A60
Campus name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

2025 entry requirements have been published using the current cycle information however, due to a current review these are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/zoology#entry_requirements


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
85%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
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

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1

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

https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-study/help-with-finances/undergraduate https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/tuition-fees
Zoology at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS