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Zoology

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Summary:

Explore animal life in depth and understand its role in a changing world. On this integrated masters in Zoology, you will study organisms from cells to ecosystems, building a detailed understanding of evolution, behaviour and conservation.

You will examine how environmental challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, are affecting animal life and how science can respond. As you progress, you will develop advanced knowledge and research skills, preparing you for careers in science, conservation or industry.

At Southampton, your learning is shaped by research and real-world experience, helping you take your next step with confidence.

Key features of the course:

Study alongside researchers whose expertise spans evolution, behaviour, gene regulation, neuroscience and development.

Undertake an extensive research project to develop advanced practical and analytical skills, preparing you for careers in research and animal-related industries.

Benefit from close links with Marwell Wildlife, gaining opportunities to deepen your knowledge and experience in zoology.

Take part in field trips across the UK and internationally, with locations such as Spain and Belize.

Expand your experience with opportunities to study abroad at partner universities around the world.

Join a university where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support:

From day one, you will be part of a welcoming Biological Sciences community, where researchers and students share ideas and discoveries.

Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your degree, helping you develop your skills and plan your next steps, whether that is a career in industry or further study.

Further information:

This programme has the Advanced Royal Society of Biology accreditation, meaning your degree is recognised and valued across the sector.

Modules

Course Modules

Throughout this course you'll explore the breadth of the discipline, starting with a broad base and then allowing you to choose from our extensive offering of optional modules, providing flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and ambitions.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through fieldwork, lab practicals and if you wish, a semester abroad or a year in employment. Module structure may vary to keep your learning up to date with advances in zoology.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating.

The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning.

The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Master of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton 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
13 January 2027

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:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB

AAB to include Biology and one further science subject.

A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.

General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 39 Merit: 6

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

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

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in suitable science subjects or in conjunction with one A-level in Biology. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + A at A-Level to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed

Extended Project
A

ABB in 3 A-levels to include Biology and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at higher level, including 6 points from Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL6) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered.

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

AA from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H2H2

H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.

Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

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

D + AA at A-Level to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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

D + AA at A-Level to include Biology and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3M2

to include Biology and one further science subject.

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4). https://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/undergraduate/courses/c301-msci-zoology.page#entry_requirements

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

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.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton 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
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

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

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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