BSc Zoology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Zoology, studying animal life across terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods and Fieldwork. The course includes overseas residential field courses in Spain and tropical locations, an optional 24-week professional placement year with industry partners, and a final-year independent research project.
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
GCSE: Mathematics and English language grade C/4. A level: 104 points. To include grade C at Biology and preferably a second relevant subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Marine Science, Psychology). General Studies accepted. BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DMM in Science. Note that this is subject to the exact modules you have studied, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk stating explicitly the full list of modules within your qualification. All Access courses: Science-based diplomas, 33 credits in science-based units at merit including a minimum of 12 credits in biology units and 21 credits in a second science subject. T level: Merit in Science. Refer to institution International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall to include Higher Level Biology and a second relevant Science subject. English and Maths can be considered within.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 71%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Animal care and control services: 25%
- Sales occupations: 25%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 25%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 15%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 220 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 4%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 49%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Biology:Placement
- Introduction to Biology
- Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
- Ecology and the Diversity of Life
- Principles of Physiology
- Evolution and Behaviour
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 1
- Spain Field Ecology
- UK Field Ecology
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Ecophysiology
- Comparative Zoology
- Methods in Biology
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 2
- Principles of Conservation Biology
- Zoology Field Course
- Biology of Marine Organisms
- Tropical Biodiversity Field Course
- Speciation and Diversity
- SoBMS Project
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 4
- Global Change Biology
- Animal Nutrition
- Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
- Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics
- Behavioural Ecology
- Fish and Fisheries
- Conservation Physiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Zoology at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £33,000. 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
93% 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 Plymouth?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 116 UCAS points.
Is BSc Zoology at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Zoology at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Zoology at University of Plymouth?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.