Zoology
Explore and understand the diversity of animal biology – from amoebae to zebras, and from world-class zoos to the rainforests of Africa and beyond.
in the UK for Assessment and Feedback.
Source: Subject ranking for zoology, NSS 2025
Develop the scientific training and practical skills you need for a career in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy or in zoos.
Learn hands-on zoology skills in specialist labs in Cambridge, take part in cutting-edge research, and study zoology in marine and terrestrial systems. You’ll build a skill set in anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, ecology and evolution, and the importance of wildlife conservation.
As part of your studies, you'll go on field trips around the UK and beyond. Learn more about tropical ecology and conservation, zoo design, and field biology.
As well as offering unforgettable experiences, field trips provide essential practical experience.
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our degree course offers an integrated, scientific approach with hands-on experiences.
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Explore and understand the diversity of animal biology – from amoebas to zebras, and from world-class zoos to tropical rainforests and beyond.
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Get hands-on using equipment in the SuperLab, part of our Science Centre in Cambridge.
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Go on residential trips around the UK, with the added opportunity to study ecology in the tropics, and zoos in the Netherlands.
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Study a course developed in line with industry standards, with accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.
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Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; run with local employers such as the Wildlife Trust and Cambridge City Council.
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Apply for internships supporting research and gain valuable employment experience, or opt for a placement year.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
I realised through my time at ARU how often opportunities arise. [This] worked wonders as I now work at my dream job at Woburn Safari Park! I love being a keeper. It really does bring me so much joy.
This degree will open up a world of careers relating to the biology of animals. You could choose to work in the field, in the laboratory, or both – anywhere in the world.
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 organisations. We’re a member of the Tropical Biology Association, which offers training, support and networking opportunities for professionals working in conservation.
Cambridge is fast becoming a world centre for wildlife conservation. It’s home to Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. During your time at ARU, you’ll be able to visit specialist museums and libraries, attend lectures, build up your knowledge, and gain industry connections for the future.
Teaching and modules
Zoology: a science journey into the diverse world of animals. Explore physiological adaptations, behaviour, conservation and interactions within ecosystems.
Study at ARU and cover essential topics such as ecophysiology, ecology, animal behaviour, conservation and biodiversity and genetics.
You'll learn how environmental factors influence animal life and conduct statistical analyses to interpret data.
The curriculum includes hands-on laboratory work and field trips, allowing for real-world observation and study of various species and their habitats. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are integrated to analyse spatial data, enhancing your understanding of animal distributions and ecosystem dynamics.
This comprehensive approach fosters a deeper understanding of animal life and its significance. It will equip you for careers in research, conservation, environmental/wildlife management, veterinary science, and education.
Student experience
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Zoology graduate Claire reflects on their university journey and offers advice for future students.
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Collect data on a range of species in the UK and abroad.
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Learn about tropical biodiversity.
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Make friends for life on your travels.
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Spend a week on the North Devon coast learning practical ecology skills.
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Learn how to survey a range of plants and animals on national and international field trips.
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Contribute to conservation monitoring in the UK.
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Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Animal Physiology and Behaviour (30 credits)
- Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (30 credits)
- Principles of Biology (30 credits)
- Quantitative Techniques and Tools for Biologists (30 credits)
- Professional and Personal Development - Level 4
- Into ARU
- Invertebrate Biology (15 credits)
- Vertebrate Biology (15 credits)
- Principles of Genetics and Evolution (15 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Biological Research Skills (15 credits)
- Field Skills in Biology (15 credits)
- GIS and Spatial Ecology (15 credits)
- Professional and Personal Development - Level 5
- Animal Health and Disease (15 credits) *
- Evolutionary Bases of Behaviour (15 credits) *
- Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
- Comparative Ecophysiology (15 credits)
- Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
- Population Ecology and Wildlife Management (15 credits) *
- Tropical Ecology and Management (15 credits) *
- Behavioural Ecology (15 credits) *
- Biogeography (15 credits) *
- Zoos and Zoo Animal Management (15 credits) *
- Professional Field Ecology (15 credits) *
- Sustainable Land Management (15 credits) *
- Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits) *
- Human-Animal Interactions (15 credits) *
- Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour (15 credits) *
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
- Information and Communication Technology
- Maths for Scientists
- Cellular Biology
- Critical Thinking
- Biology: Physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics for Life Sciences
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work Placement Life Science
As a student at ARU, you’ll learn from staff who are involved in field and captive studies internationally and in the UK, and have research links with a range of organisations including some of Britain's most respected zoos.
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Dr Sarah J. HartSenior Lecturer
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Dr Bas BootsSenior Lecturer
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Dr Jim LittlemoreSenior Lecturer
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Dr Dawn HawkinsAssociate Professor
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Dr Alvin HeldenDeputy Head of School
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Dr Hannah WhiteSenior Lecturer
Facilities
As a Zoology student at ARU, you’ll use state-of-the-art facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our Science Centre.
There's also the chance to gain hands-on experience on field trips and through an optional placement year.
All our students have access to award-winning library and IT facilities.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Zoology
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
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