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Zoology at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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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

If the course start date is before 31 December 2025 and you have already submitted an application, this course can be added. If you have not submitted an application, contact the university or college direct.

If the course start date is between 01 January and 31 July 2026 click the 'Apply' button to make an application.

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

Open days

25Apr
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate
20Jun
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Study animal life in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Gain career-ready skills in behaviour, ecology, anatomy and molecular biology. Hands-on fieldwork and lab training prepare you for your career or further study in zoology. Out in the field Study in one of the UK’s most diverse natural environments, with easy access to marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats – plus options for overseas trips. Hands-on lab experience 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. Global placement opportunities Boost your career with an optional placement year and strong industry links—from the National Marine Aquarium to research centres in Kenya. This course is for you if...

  • you’re passionate about animals and want to explore how they evolve, behave and interact with their environment
  • you want hands-on experience studying wildlife in natural habitats – from Devon’s coast to overseas field trips
  • you're looking to gain practical skills in modern lab techniques, from molecular biology to ecological statistics
  • you want to build a career in zoology, conservation, research, or animal welfare with the support of industry placements and expert staff.

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 through a mix of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals. You'll also have the possibility to undertake a field trip to southern Spain or choose to participate in a local 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 use, developing your practical and transferable skills. Optional placement year Take the option to undertake a minimum of 6 month work placement at a company or university anywhere in the world undertaking work and gaining practical work-based skills relating to your programme of study. 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, and fish and fisheries which will allow you to tailor your studies and prepare you as a zoologist ready to move onto the workplace or further study. For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Assessment method

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

Professional bodies

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

  • Royal Society of Biology

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

29Jan

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 Student Immigration Advice (SIA) 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-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letter 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
52%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
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