Group of students on a trip to a zoo, with elephant enclosure in background
BSc (Hons) Available in Clearing

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.

Start date
January
September
Location
Cambridge
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
C300

Start date
January
September
Location
Cambridge
Duration
4 years with foundation
UCAS course code
C301

Start date
January
September
Location
Cambridge
Duration
4 years with placement
UCAS course code
C303
8th

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.

Royal Society of Biology

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our degree course offers an integrated, scientific approach with hands-on experiences.

Royal Society of Biology logo
Why ARU?
  • Get hands-on using equipment in the SuperLab, part of our Science Centre in Cambridge.

  • Go on residential trips around the UK, with the added opportunity to study ecology in the tropics, and zoos in the Netherlands.

  • Study a course developed in line with industry standards, with accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.

  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; run with local employers such as the Wildlife Trust and Cambridge City Council.

  • Apply for internships supporting research and gain valuable employment experience, or opt for a placement year.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

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

Anglia Ruskin University student Olivia

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.

Olivia, BSc (Hons) Zoology graduate

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

Sarah Hart

Zoology: a science journey into the diverse world of animals. Explore physiological adaptations, behaviour, conservation and interactions within ecosystems.

Dr Sarah Hart, Course Director

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.

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 *.

Year 1
  • 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
Year 2
  • 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) *
Year 3
  • 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) *
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Maths for Scientists
  • Cellular Biology
  • Critical Thinking
  • Biology: Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics for Life Sciences
Module details

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.

Year 3
  • Work Placement Life Science
Module details

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.

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.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

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

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct

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