Zoology (with foundation year)

Gain a deeper understanding of animal life and the ecosystems at the heart of our survival in this degree designed for 21st century scientists.

Learn about conservation, ecology, behaviour, evolution, environmental management, physiology, cell biology and genetics from some of the best experts in the country – but not just in the classroom. You’ll complement your theoretical knowledge with practical experience in the field, both in the UK and overseas.

The in-demand skills you’ll develop, such as the chance to gain PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification,¹ will put you one step ahead of the competition when it comes to getting a job after graduation.

The skills you’ll develop, such as genomic technologies, field survey techniques, GIS and science communication, are valued by employers. Plus you get the chance to gain PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.¹

The Foundation Year is an extra year of study at the start of your degree. It’s designed to boost your academic skills and knowledge of your specialist area. When you successfully complete it, you can transfer seamlessly into the full degree programme.

Why study at Hull?

• Field-based learning: Develop practical experience in the field on residential trips in the UK and overseas in locations like Mallorca, Malaysia and Brazil.

• Career-ready qualifications: Gain qualifications requested by bioscience employers, such as genomic technologies, field survey techniques, GIS and even PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.¹

• Award-winning tuition: We’re a small, friendly, supportive group with three Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year winners in our department.

Where could this take me?

A wide range of careers are available to you with a zoology degree. Our graduates have gone on to become professional biologists, laboratory officers, environmental consultants and microbiologists working for employers such as Reckitt, the Environment Agency, Natural England, wildlife trusts and conservation agencies.

¹ Choose subsidised dive training as part of our Ecology module and become a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water Diver (extra fee may be payable).

Core modules include:

Cells and Organelles
Diversity of Life
Marine Biology: An Introduction
Evolution
Ecology (with optional Dive Training)
Vertebrate Zoology
Animal Behaviour
Bacterial Genome Sequencing

Optional modules include:

Conservation Biology
Ecological Monitoring
Sensory Physiology of Animals
Geographical Information Systems
Field Studies (Biology)
Sex and Social Behaviour
Aquatic Resource Maintenance
Adapting to Climate Change
Animal Welfare and Ethics
Practical Conservation

Foundation Year modules:

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education 
Introduction to Biological Sciences 1 & 2
Introduction to Data Analysis 
Group Challenge (Sciences) 
Foundation Maths Skills

You'll be assessed through a combination of written, practical and coursework assessments throughout your degree.

Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.