Information for Prospective Undergraduates

Zoology degree

Zoology degree - (C300) - 3 years
Zoology degree - (C900) - 4 years (through C990 Life Sciences)

Zoology degree at Aberystwyth

In the Zoology degree we study animals: the millions of other animal species, with whom human beings share this planet; and whose natural habitats our activities and are transforming. Students of the Zoology degree study animal diversity, evolution, behaviour, anatomy and ecology to find out how animals live and adapt to their environment. Trained zoologists are needed to conserve animal life, to understand animal and human parasite diseases and to control economically important pests. As a graduate of an Aberystwyth Zoology degree you will be qualified career-paths specifically related to the discipline. In addition, your Zoology degree will have taught you a broad range of skills of observation, research, analysis and reflection in demands from employers in every kind of field.

Zoology degree students at Aberystwyth benefit from the unique biodiversity in west Wales. An extensive array of coastlines, estuaries, woodlands, and hills provides habitats for the exceptional wildlife. The surrounding area supports rare insects, wildfowl, waders, red kite and chough. Cardigan Bay is renowned for its sea-bird population, and mammals such as grey seals, bottlenosed dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Zoology degree structure

Zoology degree Year 1

The Aberystwyth Zoology degree has been constructed to cater for your own interests in animals and also to provide a dependable foundation for your subsequent employment. In the first year, carefully selected introductory biology modules provide you with an understanding of the key concepts of animal life. You will take modules that explore the lives of invertebrates and vertebrates, animal physiology, ecology, genetics and evolution, and cell biology.  You will also be trained in research and communication skills.

Zoology degree Years 2 and 3

Tthe flexibility of your second and third years, with their extensive range of options, allows you to focus either on whole animal, population and conservation biology, or on more applied aspects of Zoology such as parasitology and immunology. Optional modules offer an opportunity for you to design a degree path to cover the broad spectrum of animal biology, including mammalian biology, animal behaviour, marine and freshwater biology and bird diversity. In the final year of your Zoology degree, you will undertake a laboratory or field based research project in an area of your choosing, with training provided by zoology teaching and research staff. Residential courses can also be an important part of your training in the techniques of modern Zoology.

Detailed Course Structure

Zoology degree Careers 

Graduates of the Zoology degree at Aberystywth are ideally equipped for careers in the rapdily growing area of the green economy. Your knowledge of animals and habitats will be useful in many careers related to ecology, the environment and the conservation of biodiversity. Many graduates will follow specifically zoology-related careers; but whatever career path you choose after your Zoology degree, you will have been equipped with the transferable skills of analysis, problem-solving and reporting highly valued by propsective employers in all sectors of the economy. Some graduates have continued into veterinary school.  This scheme also frequently leads to postgraduate research at MSc and PhD level.