Zoology: The University of Manchester

Course description

Zoology studies the life of animals from cellular organisation, through structure and physiology, to behaviour, ecology and the organisation of populations.

Zoology, the study of animal life, aims to understand the behaviour, structure and evolution of animals, using a wide range of approaches, from genes, to molecular and cellular biology, through physiological processes and anatomy, to whole animals, populations and their ecology.

Field research forms an exciting part of the degree, with four field courses - two in the first year, two in the second year. These include the possibility to study Animal Behaviour in South Africa and Tropical Biology in Ecuador. In the final year lecturers teach around their research, with courses on Behavioural Neurobiology, Chemical Communication, Hormones and Behaviour, the Evolution of Behaviour, and Conservation Biology.

Career opportunities

Bioscience graduates from the University of Manchester go into a variety of careers. About half stay in the life sciences and related disciplines, choosing either to study further research or taught courses such as a Masters or PhD, which could lead onto a career in bioscience, or medicine/dentistry degrees. A significant number go on to complete a science teaching qualification, such as a secondary science PGCE.

Those that choose a career outside of the life sciences are highly sought after by large multinationals. Graduate programmes in accountancy, finance, law, marketing and publishing are particularly popular choices for graduates from the Faculty who do not wish to stay in science.

Many zoology students go on to work in conservation projects around the world. A number of 2005's graduates are now involved in such programmes in the UK, South Africa, Madagascar and Malaysian Borneo. Other popular career choices include working in zoos and museums.

Entry requirements

• English language: Either GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.5 (with not less than 6.5 in any component) or an equivalent qualification.
• A level:
  Grades AAB-BBB. This should include:
  • 1 of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths and
  • 1 of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE.

  General Studies is welcomed, but is not normally included as part of the offer.

• AS level: 2 AS levels are acceptable in place of the third non-science A-level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35-32 points overall including 5 or 6 points in two sciences at Higher level, normally Biology and Chemistry.