Zoology, MSci (Hons)

This course inspires a new generation of zoological researchers, focusing on understanding animal behaviour, physiology, and ecology to improve welfare, promote sustainable farming, and protect biodiversity amid challenges like climate change. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the integrated master's program progresses from foundational biology in year one to advanced research in year four, equipping students with essential knowledge, practical skills, and transferable abilities for careers in academia, conservation, veterinary science, or farming.Practical training includes laboratory and field techniques across the first three years, with optional courses in France and Portugal. In the fourth year, students select specialized topics, such as rewilding impacts or venom neurotoxins, and undertake a supervised research project while developing skills in bioinformatics, manuscript writing, and presentations. Core and optional modules span zoology, ecology, immunology, and genetics, culminating in independent investigations.

There are a range of optional modules to choose from in every year of the course. You will study these alongside core modules. The first year provides a broad introduction to zoology and biology. You'll study to the biology of animals and the biochemical, evolutionary and genetic processes that underlie their biology. In the second year, more advanced modules are available in topics such as ecology, immunology, and evolutionary biology of animals. You'll work on a practical research project in the third year, as well as selecting optional modules. The research project allows you to carry out your own zoological investigation, alongside expert research scientists. If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll complete a year-long research project in your fourth year. This could be lab- or literature-based. You will also learn research presentation skills as well as research planning and preperation.