BSc Zoology
About this course
BSc in Zoology, a zoology degree focusing on the scientific study of the animal kingdom from molecular building blocks to behaviour and environmental interactions. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork. Students complete a final-year research project and participate in field study opportunities across multiple years, with an optional industrial placement year available for accreditation by The Royal Society of Biology. The first year covers foundational principles through compulsory modules such as Living Planet, Laboratory and Field Skills, Introduction to Genetics, Introduction to Cell Biology, and Coastal and Uplands Habitats Field Course, alongside optional choices like Using Biology to Feed the World and The Microbial World. The second year progresses into animal physiology and evolutionary study through Marine Zoology Field Course, Animal Physiology, Developing Scientific Excellence, and Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour, with optional modules including Population, Community and Conservation Ecology and Parasitology. The final year centres on independent research via Biology Research Projects and Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death, while optional topics span Advanced Topics in Conservation Science, Animal Developmental Biology, and a Level 3 Field Course (South Africa).
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead. (Other BTEC subjects may be considered alongside a science A-level). IB: 31 overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science at Higher Level, a 6 will be required.
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 94%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 18%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 28%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 18%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Living Planet
- Laboratory and Field Skills
- Unlocking Scientific Success
- Introduction to Genetics
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Coastal and Uplands Habitats Field Course
- Using Biology to Feed the World
- Biology of the Mind
- The Microbial World
- Vertebrate Evolution
- Introduction to Immunology
- Discovery modules
- Field Course: investigating UK habitats
- Marine Zoology Field Course
- Animal Physiology
- Developing Scientific Excellence
- Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour
- Population, Community and Conservation Ecology
- Wildlife Ecology and Management
- Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course
- Human Populations and Disease
- Parasitology
- Bioinformatics for Biologists
- Discovery modules
- Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death
- Biology Research Projects
- Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics
- Advanced Topics in Ecology
- Level 3 Field Course (South Africa)
- Sustainable Innovations in Animal Science
- Advanced Topics in Evolution
- Advanced Topics in Conservation Science
- Evolution and Population Genetics
- Animal Developmental Biology
- Social Biology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Zoology at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £34,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £3,000 more than the UK median for Zoology.
What do graduates of BSc Zoology at University of Leeds do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Zoology at University of Leeds?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Zoology at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
Is BSc Zoology at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does BSc Zoology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Zoology at University of Leeds?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.