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 teaching on my course.
Source: Subject ranking for zoology, NSS 2026
At ARU, you'll develop the scientific training and practical skills employers in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy and zoos are looking for, in the heart of Cambridge’s conservation community..
You'll learn hands-on zoology skills in specialist labs, 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 a range of field trips around the UK. Learn more about tropical ecology and conservation, zoo design, and field biology.
As well as offering unforgettable experiences, field trips provide essential practical zoological skills.
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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![Two zoology students and a tutor in a science lab]()
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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Study in one of the world's leading centres for conservation science, surrounded by organisations working on global biodiversity, wildlife protection and environmental policy.
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Get hands-on using specialist field equipment in our SuperLab, part of our Science Centre in Cambridge.
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Take part in field trips, gaining practical experience in a range of habitats and at leading wildlife attractions such as Chester Zoo.
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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, placement years and short-term placements supporting research and gain valuable employment experience.
Study at an award-winning university
We've received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of teaching standards. We were also proud to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023.
Careers
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
Develop your core zoology knowledge while exploring ecophysiology, ecology, animal behaviour, conservation and biodiversity, genetics and more.
You'll discover how environmental factors influence animal life, learn to conduct statistical analyses to interpret data, and gain valuable practical experience through hands-on laboratory work and field trips, observing various species in their real-world habitats.
You’ll collect ecological data, identify species, analyse habitats using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance 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 and wildlife management, veterinary science, or 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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'I learnt so many things within the degree that will help me during my zoo career such as welfare, legislation, nutrition, enclosures, enrichment, the list could go on forever!' Read Zoology graduate Olivia's story.
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Set up recording devices and capture ecology data in the forests of Uganda.
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Monitor conservation in a forests of Uganda.
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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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![Zoology graduate Claire in cap and gown, addressing the camera in a science lab]()
Zoology graduate Claire reflects on their university journey and offers advice for future students. -
![Zoology student Olivia posed outside with a tree-lined path stretching out behind her]()
'I learnt so many things within the degree that will help me during my zoo career such as welfare, legislation, nutrition, enclosures, enrichment, the list could go on forever!' Read Zoology graduate Olivia's story. -
![A zoology student sets up a recording in the forest in Uganda]()
Set up recording devices and capture ecology data in the forests of Uganda. -
![A pair of Zoology students look through binoculars in the forest in Uganda]()
Monitor conservation in a forests of Uganda. -
![A group of Zoology students at the equator in Uganda]()
Make friends for life on your travels. -
![View of Watermouth, Devon]()
Spend a week on the North Devon coast learning practical ecology skills. -
![Students inspect samples from a freshwater river]()
Learn how to survey a range of plants and animals on national and international field trips. -
![Students sit next to a pond where they are studying newts]()
Contribute to conservation monitoring in the UK.
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)
- Personal and Professional 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) *
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
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
- 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)
- Personal and Professional Development - Level 4
- 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) *
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 HeldenAssociate Professor
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Dr Hannah WhiteSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Develop practical scientific skills using specialist laboratories, field equipment and digital technologies.
As well as learning in our modern 200-station laboratory in the Science Centre – gaining hands-on experience using specialist laboratory equipment, microscopes, GIS and spatial mapping software, and ecological field equipment – you'll prepare for careers in zoology, conservation and ecological research by collecting and analysing real ecological data on field trips.
You'll also benefit from our award-winning library and IT facilities, supporting your studies from your first year through to your final research project.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Zoology
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2026 start
UK students
International students
Official student data
See student feedback on this course from Discover Uni.