Choosing to study zoology offers you way more than just a degree – it’s an exciting adventure into the wonders of the natural world. One that lets you turn your passion for animals into a meaningful career capable of making a positive difference to our planet.

Zoology is the science of animals and their amazing diversity. It covers everything from how they function and evolve, to their behaviour and genetics. Our BSc (Hons) Zoology degree goes far beyond the basics, giving you a deep understanding of the science behind the animal kingdom. At NTU, you’ll join a community of students who share your curiosity, guided by passionate lecturers who bring the subject to life.

This course is designed to equip you with a well-respected, versatile science degree. But more than that – it prepares you for a future full of possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to scientific research, education, wildlife conservation, museum curation, or science communication, a degree in zoology opens the door to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers.

Students love us!

Top 5 in the UK for Zoology students who are positive about the teaching on their course (Full-time first degrees, National Student Survey 2026)

in the UK for Zoology courses (Guardian University Guide 2027).

Fantastic facilities

With 200 hectares of woods, ponds and farmland, Brackenhurst is the ultimate outdoor classroom.

Experience real-world zoology

With the option of work placements at home and abroad – including Greece, Canada, and across Africa.

Which course is right for you?

We offer three animal science degrees, each with a different focus:

BSc (Hons) Animal Biology / BSc (Hons) Animal Biology (with foundation year) - applies animal biology knowledge and technical skills to management, husbandry and welfare of domesticated species such as livestock, working and companion animals.

BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology / BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology (with foundation year) - Applies biological knowledge and technical skills to the management, welfare and sustainability of zoo-housed and managed populations of exotic and non-domestic species

BSc (Hons) Zoology (this course) / BSc (Hons) Zoology (with foundation year) - covers a diverse range of invertebrate and vertebrate species in relation to their biology, evolution, taxonomy and identification.

We also offer BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation / BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation (with foundation year).

Highlights of our Zoology degree include

studying on a working farm and wildlife haven – our Brackenhurst Campus and Animal Unit house 250+ animals from 70+ species

benefiting from our strong industry links with organisations like Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Wollaton Hall, and Oxford Museum of Natural History

learning in excellent facilities, including multiple labs for species ID, pathogens, core biology, anatomy, and physiology

the option to take an optional international exchange and study abroad as part of your course.

Module information

A standard full-time BSc (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoOptional placement yearFinal Year

ModulesExpand all +

Animal Behaviour

Study patterns of behaviour, develop skills in behaviour recording and observation and apply your knowledge to the behaviour of managed animals.

20 credits

Animal Reproduction and Genetics

Learn the underpinning principles of animal genetics and how these link with reproductive physiology. Practical sessions will investigate assisted reproductive technologies and how these increase an animal's reproductive success in captivity.

Animal Physiology

Gain a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species. Explore cell physiology, principles of anatomy and physiology and the physiological systems of a broad range of animal species.

Pathogen Biology

Learn about the biology of the different microorganisms and common pathogens in animals. This module will mix practicals and theory to establish pathogen classification, structure and reproduction.

Principles of Ecology

Examine the interactions between organisms and their environment, at individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. Investigate the abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors driving population and community dynamics.

Fundamentals of Taxonomy

Study the principles of taxonomy and evolution and develop the skills needed to identify extant animal species across a range of familiar and some unfamiliar taxa. You will also be introduced to ethical, legal and sustainability concepts relevant to zoology.

Physiology of Behaviour

Explore the biological, evolutionary, and physiological basis of behaviour and how this relates to the way in which animals behave within their environment.

Introduction to Research

Explore the principles of research methods, focusing on data collection, analysis, and interpretation. You'll look at experimental design, literature evaluation and hypothesis testing, preparing you for undertaking independent research as part of your final year dissertation.

Vertebrate Zoology

Explore, from an evolutionary perspective, the biology of a range of chordate and vertebrate taxa. You will analyse the factors that have driven evolution and extinction, and engage in discussion of the evolutionary processes, phylogeny and the science (including genetics) used to investigate these concepts.

Invertebrate Zoology

You will evaluate, through a series of lab and fieldtrip based practical exercises, the form and function of a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species and their adaptations to the environment. Investigate the effectiveness of these adaptations for survival and the mechanisms involved in their evolution and the phylogenetic tracing of this.

Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions

Become immersed in the fascinating and sometimes gruesome world of parasites. Parasites have evolved diverse and complex mechanisms in order to successfully parasitise their hosts, and to adapt to both the micro and macro habitats that they inhabit. Within this module you will investigate these relationships and explore the evolutionary processes that have led to them, alongside further development of classification and reflective skills. This exploration of parasite biology allows any zoologist to enhance their awareness of how species interact and impact on each other.

Zoological Specimens and Collections

Through a range of non-residential field trips, develop your skills and knowledge relating to the sampling, identification and preservation of zoological specimens.

Optional placement year

You may choose to take an optional year-long placement in Year Three, either in the UK or overseas.

0 credits

During your Final Year, you will study four core modules and choose one optional module.

Core modulesExpand all +

Dissertation

Undertake an independent research project under the supervision of our experienced staff. Focus on an area that interests you and use your practical and/or research skills to help you shape the focus of your degree.

40 credits

Zoology in the Field

You will attend a residential field course as a major part of this module. The module brings together the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course and supports you in applying these concepts and skills within the context of fieldwork. You will further develop your ability to apply reflective practice, provide feedback, collaborate and think critically.

Animal Cognition and Behaviour

Apply zoological concepts studied during the first and second year (behaviour, physiology, genetics, evolution and phylogeny) to investigate contemporary issues within animal behaviour and cognition across a range of invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, including humans. Active collaborative learning will support you in developing your critical thinking, communication and feedback skills.

Zoology Applications and Advances

Integrate the knowledge and skills gained in earlier stages of the course and explore their applications within industry and research. Both well established and contemporary applications of the zoological sciences (e.g. genetics, physiology, taxonomy, ecology and behaviour) will be explored using a collaborative learning and solutions-based approach. Further develop essential graduate skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Optional modulesExpand all +

Adaptive Physiology

Study the physiological challenges presented by different environments and the adaptations that enable animals to overcome them. Explore how features of animal form and function have arisen and the factors that have likely shaped them.

Marine and Freshwater Ecology

Understand the structure and function of different aquatic habitats, particularly the organisms that inhabit them and their ecological interactions. Apply these principles during a one-day UK field trip, and subsequent laboratory work, to investigate the impact of pollution on the freshwater macroinvertebrate community, as a bioindicator of ecological quality.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

Charlotte Goodchild

Zoology student

“The lecturers are all passionate about what they teach so it makes the content a lot more enjoyable.”

Read Charlotte's profile

Aaron Matthew

“The diverse habitat types that Brackenhurst hosts play a key role in understanding future field studies that I’d like to be a part of.”

Read Aaron's profile

Eve Watson

“Brack is giving me the most wonderful university experience. I like the people, the place, and the lecturers. I can’t recommend Brack enough.”

Read Eve's profile

Sophie Woollard

“With all of the support that's in place, I feel like I can do anything as long as I've got NTU behind me.”

Read Sophie's profile

Jonny Forward

“Zoology is the perfect scientific investigation into animals, their history, biology and their environments. NTU only makes it more immersive with their fieldtrips, resources, animal unit and the separate campus itself.”

Read Jonny's profile

Student Work

BSc Zoology - Students use heat mapping technology on a reptile to understand animal physiology.

BSc Zoology - A student uses a microscope to study microorganisms.

Video Gallery

Watch our videos about field trips, facilities and student experiences to get an insight into the equipment you'll use and what you'll study on the course.

Subject Video | Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences

How you're taught

You’ll learn through a mixture of:

lectures, seminars and workshops

interactive team-based learning and debates

lab work (such as genetics, parasitology, specimen prep)

fieldwork (such as camera trapping, species surveys).

You'll also gain access to a wide range of hands-on experiences that help you apply your learning, build professional skills, and explore career pathways:

Study abroad opportunities to expand your global perspective.

Industry placements between Year 3 and Year 4, giving you real-world experience with conservation groups, zoos, or research teams.

VolPro (Volunteering Programme) at our on-campus Animal Unit.

Guest lectures and fortnightly research seminars from professionals and academics across the field.

Field trips to key sites such as Frampton Marsh, Rutland Water, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and museums such as Wollaton Hall and Oxford Museum of Natural History.

Final-year residential field trip with a choice of an overseas option (currently South Africa) or a UK location (currently the Isle of Cumbrae), involving wildlife monitoring and ecological survey techniques. *

*Trip locations may vary each year.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments. You will also spend time on practical sessions.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways including:

video-based assessments

delivering presentations

completing field notebooks, reports and portfolios

taking part in personalised projects based on your interests.

Who will teach you?

Dr Stefano Kaburu

Senior Lecturer

Dr Stefano Kaburu is a Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology at NTU and course leader of the MSc/MRes Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation. His research expertise is on primate behaviour and conservation. Dr Kaburu is currently leading two projects: one project explores human-macaque interactions in India, Malaysia and Nepal, while another project aims to develop an AI-based automatic system to monitor the welfare of zoo-housed animals

Visit Dr Stefano Kaburu's staff profile

Ruth Bentley

Ruth Bentley is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences (ARES) in the Animal Science department. She is the Course Leader for Integrated Foundation Year in ARES.

Visit Ruth Bentley's staff profile

Kat Hamill

Kat Hamill (née Fingland) is a Senior Lecturer in Zoology for the School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences. Kat is also the Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Zoology.

Visit Kat Hamill's staff profile

Jaime Martin

Dr. Jaime Martin is a lecturer/senior lecturer in the department of animal and equine sciences. He is a departmental lead for statistical analysis and zoology.

Visit Jaime Martin's staff profile

Adele Lloyd

Dr Adele Lloyd is a Senior Lecturer and Module Leader for Undergraduate Animal Science courses at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.

Visit Adele Lloyd's staff profile

Sally Little

Visit Sally Little 's staff profile

Frank Ruedisueli

Frank Ruedisueli teaches on BSc, FdSc and MSc Animal and Equine Sciences courses, specialising in parasitology, microbiology, animal disease, immunology and nutritional health.

Visit Frank Ruedisueli's staff profile

Chris Royle

School Standards and Quality Manager

Dr Chris Royle is the School Standards and Quality Manager and is a Principal Lecturer in Animal Sciences. teaches modules including Anatomy and Physiology and Adaptive Physiology. Chris’ research interests include stress and animal welfare.

Visit Chris Royle's staff profile

Esther Kettel

Dr Esther Kettel is course leader for MSc/MRes Biodiversity Conservation. She teaches a range of modules including Principles of Ecology, Environmental Assessment & Consultancy and Wildlife Management. Esther has research interests in population dynamics and the monitoring of species.

Visit Esther Kettel's staff profile

Alex Dittrich

Dr Alex Dittrich is a Senior Lecturer for BSc (Hons) Zoology at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.

Visit Alex Dittrich's staff profile

Jacqueline Boyd

Dr Boyd is a lecturer in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, specifically teaching across Animal and Equine courses. Her research relates to aspects of parasitology, genetics, performance animal biology and anthrozoology.

Visit Jacqueline Boyd's staff profile

Louise Gentle

Principal Lecturer

Dr Louise Gentle is a Principal Lecturer, leading the Conservation and Zoology provision at NTU. She is also responsible for the postgraduate taught courses for the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences. She teaches on the Behavioural & Evolutionary Ecology, and African Field Course modules. Louise’s research interests include behavioural ecology, wildlife conservation and ornithology. She also undertakes popular science communication.

Visit Louise Gentle's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.

Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.

For this course we also consider Biology modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

Access to Higher Education courses

If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.

Please note we also consider Biology modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Year abroad - £1,507

Placement year - £2,010

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year. Please be aware that you will be charged the fee set for the year this takes place, rather than being fixed at the rate applicable when you start your course, and any increases are subject to Government approval. As a guide, the fees above are for the 2027/28 academic year.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£18,400 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities in the UK and abroad may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fieldwork clothing costs

All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons, waterproof trousers, coat and overalls if working or volunteering on the Animal Unit.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

After studying our BSc (Hons) Zoology degree, you can take your passion for animals and nature in many directions.

Your potential areas for employment include:

environmental consultancy

government agencies

research laboratories

field science and conservation agencies

science communications across a variety of media

further study at MSc and/or PhD level.

Zoology isn’t just about the study of animals. It’s a science degree that gives you skills you can apply to many careers outside the animal world. If you love science and wildlife, this course gives you the freedom to explore both.

Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of job roles including:

Animal trainer

Behaviourist

Museum curator

Science communications

Researcher

Conservationist

Educator.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Dean’s work experience in entomology

Discover the invaluable career learnings Dean took from the course and his placement as an intern entomologist and grassland ranger at a country park.

View Dean Fisher's profile

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Bramley building, with access to facilities including the Animal Unit, IT rooms and laboratories.

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From students and staff to the animals themselves – cats and cattle, sheep and horses – it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your course mates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and take a relaxing stroll through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell, a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable, late-running buses, you’ve got Nottingham — a legendary student city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure.

Animal Science facility tour

Exotics Room 360

Animal Unit

For more information visit the Animal Unit page.

Outdoor Classroom

For more information visit the Outdoor Classroom page.

Laboratories

For more information visit the Laboratories page.

Take a virtual tour

View Animal Science facility tour video transcript

Applying

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Zoo Biology

BSc (Hons)

Animal Biology

Wildlife Conservation

Ecology and Conservation

Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nursing Science (final year top-up)

More from this subject

View more courses on the Conservation and Ecology subject page

Further study

View Conservation and Ecology postgraduate courses

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