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Zoology

  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Are you fascinated by the incredible diversity of animal life, and eager to play a role in its conservation?
Our MSci Zoology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, offers an in-depth exploration of animals at every level, from their genetic makeup to their impact on ecosystems. You'll develop a strong foundation in core biological principles while tailoring your studies with optional modules spanning animal behaviour, conservation, physiology, neuroscience, and biological photography.
With a strong emphasis on practical skills, employability, and global challenges, our course prepares you for careers in research, conservation, environmental consultancy, and beyond.

Flexible and research-led degree
Our modular course structure allows you to shape your degree around your passions and career aspirations. You’ll start with broad foundational modules before specialising in areas that interest you most in your second and third years.
Teaching is research-engaged, meaning you'll learn from experts working at the forefront of their fields, applying fundamental knowledge to real-world challenges such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, and climate change adaptation.

BSc or MSci
MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courses which last for four years and have an integrated master's qualification. They are the equivalent to a BSc plus a master's level qualification. These courses can provide additional research experience to enhance your future career prospects.

  • Why Choose This Course?

  • Ranked 3rd in the UK for Zoology (The Guardian University Guide 2024)

  • Excellent track-record in student feedback on quality of teaching, ranked number 1 in Zoology in the UK for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022)

  • Tailor your course to your unique interests with a wide range of optional modules – from physiology and neuroscience to conservation and ecology, and even including biological photography.

  • Research projects – the specialist research project gives you experience of cutting-edge laboratory or field skills.

  • Capstone experience – in your final year, you can undertake a capstone project, applying your expertise to real-world challenges in a collaborative working group. Teaching is research-led, meaning you'll learn from academics actively working in cutting-edge research.

  • Employability – placements with real world employers and a master's-level qualification boost opportunities for research scholarships and jobs in industry.

  • Travel while you learn through studying abroad or undertaking field courses in the UK and overseas.

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Zoology-MSci-Hons-U7UZOOLG.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • Msci (Hon) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
C301
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

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

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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

Course code:
C301
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
AAB

Biology and a second science at A level. Second science subjects can be from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Further Maths, Statistics, Environmental Science, Computer Science and PE.
A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD

in Applied Sciences (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

Access to HE Diploma
D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 0 credits

30 Level 3 credits at distinction of which 15 are in biology and 15 in a second science.

Scottish Higher
AABBB

in combination with grades AA in Scottish Advanced Highers, to include Biology and a second science.

Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

in Applied Sciences (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement) alongside A Level Biology grade B

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

and 2 A-Levels in Biology and a Second Science grades AB

Scottish Advanced Higher
AA

including Biology and a second science subject.
Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.
Offers made in combination with grades AABBB in the Scottish Highers

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

including 6,5 at Higher level to include biology and another science subject.
Suitable second science subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, Computer Science and Sports, Exercise and Health.

Or we can consider three stand-alone Higher Level certificates at 6,6,5 including Biology and a second science subject.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

Acceptable in combination with 2 science A-level qualifications, to include Biology.

Extended Project
A

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English language or Literature and maths at grade 4 or above also required.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A

If you have already achieved your Core Maths Qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths Qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths Qualification.

Core Maths qualifications offered by other exam boards are also considered for an alternative offer.

T Level
Not accepted

Biology is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course. Requirements for progression are:

Foundation Biological Science - 55%
Foundation Chemistry - 55%
Overall pass - 40%

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no less than 6.0 in any element
TOEFL (iBT)87Minimum of 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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