Zoology
About this course
MBiol, BSc in Zoology, a zoology degree centred on the scientific study of the animal kingdom. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The course includes intensive field study during every year of the programme and culminates in an extended research project in the final year. The first year covers foundational concepts through modules such as Living Planet, Laboratory and Field Skills, Unlocking Scientific Success, Introduction to Genetics, and Introduction to Cell Biology, alongside a compulsory field course investigating UK habitats. The second year focuses on animal function and ecology through Marine Zoology Field Course, Animal Physiology, Developing Scientific Excellence, and Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour. The third year explores advanced concepts with compulsory modules including Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death and Advanced Research Skills and Experience, while optional modules cover conservation, evolution, and developmental biology. The fourth year centres on advanced research training and features the Extended Research Project alongside specialised optional modules such as Advanced Statistics and Conservation Decision Science.
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: AAA IB: 31 overall with 6,6,6 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 & 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
- Advanced Research Skills and Experience
- 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
- Social Biology
- Evolution and Population Genetics
- Animal Developmental Biology
- Extended Research Project
- Sustainable Diets and Protein Production
- Community Ecology
- Advanced Statistics
- Introduction to GIS
- Population Dynamics
- Infectious and Non-Infectious Disease
- Conservation Decision Science
- Equitable Sustainability
- Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of 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 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 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 Zoology at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
Is 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 Zoology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Zoology at University of Leeds?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.