Plymouth University
Zoology BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 165 graduates of Zoology BSc (Hons) and other courses in Biosciences at Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Biosciences.

Overall student satisfaction
84 /100
165 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Biosciences

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Biosciences at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £22000 £19500 £23500
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £25000 £14500 - £23500 £18000 - £29500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Biosciences

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £20811 £17855 £21702
25-75 percentile range £18257 - £24257 £13861 - £22312 £17266 - £27104

Course Description

Zoology is the science of animals. In this course, you will develop an understanding of all aspects of animal biology in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. You will gain in-depth knowledge of animal ecology and evolution, and develop the key lab skills in animal behaviour, molecular biology, physiology, and cellular biology that are sought after by employers and are necessary for postgraduate education.

You will gain key practical experience in diverse laboratory and field practicals across your studies and have the opportunity to participate in residential field courses in years one and two, giving you first-hand experience of a range of ecosystems. Recent field course locations include Slapton in Devon and Kenya.

  • Study the biology of animals in marine, terrestrial and freshwater aquatic habitats. A spectacular range of these habitats are right on our doorstep.
  • Gain a strong foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, evolution and genetics.
  • Develop high-level laboratory skills across animal biology in a wide range of taxa and habitats and gain key transferable skills that are sought after by employers.
  • Undertake in-depth field studies of animals, which could include residential courses in the UK and abroad or alternatives that develop field techniques and familiarity with a wide range of ecosystems and fauna.
  • Undertake self-study throughout your course, using our well-equipped library and range of online scientific journals, as well as LABPlus, our unique laboratory and resource centre designed for science and engineering students.
  • Have the opportunity to boost your employability by taking a placement year between your second and final years of study, working in the industry, anywhere in the world – you can read more about this in the 'course details' section of this page.
  • Undertake an extended personal research project on a range of topics, often linked to ongoing staff research, in your final year.
  • Benefit from our strong links with external organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts, the Natural History Museums in London and Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium, the Field Studies Council, Whitley Wildlife Trust, the Donkey Sanctuary and Dartmoor National Park.

* Explore a range of contemporary issues in zoology

Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Zoology BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University

17% Natural and social science professionals
11% Media Professionals
10% Welfare and housing associate professionals
10% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
8% Other Health Professionals
7% Sales occupations
5% Therapy professionals
4% Caring personal services
3% Managers, directors and senior officials
3% Other Health Professionals

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

To include A level Biology and a second relevant subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or Environmental Studies, Marine Science or Psychology.

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

Access to HE Diploma

Including one in a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB-ABB at A Level (preferably including a foreign language) and grade A in the EPQ.

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Including one in a relevant subject/science (90 UCAS tariff points)

The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A Level at the A Level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.

Considered in combination

Must have GCSE Maths and English at grade C /4 or above.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

With 5.5 in all elements.

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected].
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Zoology, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Plymouth University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 28 university rankings of Plymouth University

About Plymouth University

Founded in 1992, Plymouth University is established in the small city of Plymouth, South West England. The university has a variety of residence halls at distinct price points, and all within walking distance of your classrooms. When wandering off-campus, students will find a blend of both urban and rural surroundings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone here.

List of 221 Bachelor and Master Courses from Plymouth University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Plymouth University

undergraduates:
13880
postgraduates:
2275
Total:
16155
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Where is this programme taught

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Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
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