Zoology

Why Zoology at ARU?

• Study in Cambridge, a hub of expertise and wildlife institutions' headquarters.
• Get hands-on using world-class equipment in our SuperLab.
• Join field trips around the UK, with the added opportunity to study ecology in the tropics and zoos in the Netherlands.
• Study on an accredited course developed in line with industry standards.
• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed, developed, and run with local employers such as the Wildlife Trust, giving you exposure to ‘real life’ problem-solving.
• Gain valuable experience by applying for internships supporting research, or opt for our placement year.

Our Zoology BSc (Hons) course will see you joining the likes of Charles Darwin, Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall and David Attenborough in exploring and explaining the diversity of animals from all over the globe.

You’ll build an understanding and skill set in anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, ecology and evolution, and the importance of wildlife conservation.

As part of your studies, you’ll get the opportunity to learn hands-on zoology skills – with plenty of time in our labs in Cambridge, as well as on field trips around the UK and beyond. Develop the scientific training and practical skills you need for a career in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy or in zoos.

Our BSc (Hons) Zoology degree will open up a world of professional careers relating to the biology of animals. You could choose to work in the field, in the laboratory, or both – anywhere in the world.

ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.

After graduating, you might want work for a zoo, a wildlife conservation organisation or even an education or research establishment. Our students have gone to work as:

• Animal Keeper
• Animal Technician
• Ecological Consultant
• Hydrologist
• Woodland Officer
• Invasive Species Surveyor
• Conservation Research Consultant
• GIS Consultant
• Postgraduate Researcher
• Teacher

Our graduates have gone on to work at:

• RSPB
• RSPCA
• Colchester Zoo
• Shepreth Wildlife Park
• Environment Agency
• Flora and Fauna International
• Birdlife International
• University of Cambridge
• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
• Forest Research
• Benthic Solutions
• Ecology Resources

As a graduate of this course, you’ll be able to apply for membership of the Zoological Society of London, the Royal Society of Biology, and other professional organisations.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation or our MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

"My placement [at The Wildwood Trust, Kent] allowed me to gain invaluable skills of animal husbandry on a wide range of small mammals. This experience expanded my confidence and ability to apply textbook knowledge into the practical field of conservation. Working in a highly connected organisation helped me determine the direction for future opportunities for my career in animal conservation and rewilding."
Maddie Ballantine-Morris, BSc (Hons) Zoology graduate

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.