BSc Zoology
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Zoology, a zoology degree exploring animal biology from cellular mechanisms to global ecosystems. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme incorporates practical laboratory sessions utilising animal tissue alongside opportunities to undertake independent research projects. The first year covers core areas through modules such as Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology, How to Think Like a Scientist, Organisms and their Environment, and Origins of Biodiversity. The second year progresses to advanced topics via Animal Behaviour, Behaviour and Ecology Field Course, Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science, and Vertebrate Zoology. Optional modules in later stages allow specialisation in subjects ranging from bioinformatics and conservation ecology to biomedical parasitology and neuroscience. Students may also pursue practical field training through residential trips to locations such as the Andalucian coast and tropical environments, culminating in diverse research project options.
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: ABB including Biology and one further science subject. IB: Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 35%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 77%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 58%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 48%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 280 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 24%
- South East: 43%
- South West: 13%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
- How to Think Like a Scientist
- Organisms and their Environment
- Origins of Biodiversity
- Animal Behaviour
- Behaviour and Ecology Field Course
- Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science
- Vertebrate Development
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Adaptive Physiology
- Applied and Environmental Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology
- Conservation Ecology Field Course
- Environmental Microbiology
- Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
- Flow of Genetic Information
- Freshwater Ecosystems
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
- Palaeobiology
- Plant Development and Function
- Population and Community Ecology
- Advanced Geographical Information Systems
- Applied Plant Biology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Biomedical Parasitology
- Biomedical Technology
- Bioscience Business
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Ecosystem Cycles and Microbial Communities
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- External Research Project
- Field Research Project
- Global Challenges in Biology
- Human and Social Adaptation to Climate and Weather Hazards
- Immunology
- In-Silico Research Project
- Laboratory Research Project
- Microbiomes and Health
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
- Musculoskeletal Physiology of Movement
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Science Communication
- Selective Toxicity
- Tropical Ecology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Zoology at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £28,500 after 15 months, £27,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,000. The £35,500 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Zoology.
What do graduates of BSc Zoology at University of Southampton 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 Southampton?
96% 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 Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Is BSc Zoology at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Zoology at University of Southampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Zoology at University of Southampton?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.