BSc in Zoology
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,300 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and international student
Introduction
Zoology is the study of animals, from the simplest invertebrates to the largest terrestrial or marine mammals. Simple animals often provide models for studying higher, more complex species (including humans) and help drive basic research that transcends the subject boundaries.
Animals interact with each other and their environment, forming complex relationships such that zoologists need a broad understanding of the living world, life processes and the animal kingdom. Importantly, zoonotic diseases are an ever-growing threat to human health, e.g. Covid-19. Exciting progress is being made in animal biology and behaviour, animal health and welfare the management of animal communities, emerging infectious diseases, conservation, de-extinction and addressing climate change making this the perfect time to study Zoology.
Zoology Highlights
- Student Experience
- Professional Accreditations
- Global Opportunities
- Internationally Renowned Experts
- Further Study Opportunities
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
We offer prestigious, competitive scholarships of up to 50% off tuition fees to new international students. You must have an offer to study a full-time course with us in 2024 to apply for a scholarship.
Curriculum
Year 1
- Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
- Biodiversity (20 credits)
- Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
- World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
- Environmental Biology (20 credits)
Year 2
- Invertebrate Biology (20 credits)
- Comparative Animal Physiology (20 credits)
- Vertebrate Biology (20 credits)
Year 3
- Parasitology (20 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
Assessment
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
How you are assessed will vary according to the Learning Outcomes of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end-of-semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are outlined in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. These positions encompass areas of innovative research and development of new products, advisory, and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organizations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products, and biotechnology.
Graduates pursue careers in teaching, nature conservation, and laboratory-based posts in biomedical, industrial, pharmaceutical, academic, and government institutions as well as in universities and colleges of higher education. The remainder undertakes further training in areas such as computing, administration, and management or medicine (human or veterinary), developing their skills from a sound scientific background. Further training also helps them to find employment in a variety of non-biological careers, including public service administration, industrial management, banking, accountancy, and computing.
Employers are looking for graduates with generic skills of communication, problem-solving, data analysis, social skills, a range of interests, and a record of success. We believe that a degree in Zoology will help our students to develop these skills. For further information on careers see the Institute of Biology website. Please note that the same careers are open to both Zoology and Biology graduates.
Career Services
The School of Biological Sciences employs a dedicated careers adviser who has developed an extensive portfolio of employers, both nationally and internationally, within the science sector. Advice is also provided on CV preparation, interview techniques, and securing summer work or longer placements.
Placement Employers
Our past students have also gained work placement with organizations such as:
- Northern Ireland Water Ltd
- The Environment Agency
- The Forensic Service
- Moy Park
- North Atlantic Whale Foundation
- The National Trust
- Randox Laboratories
- Norbrook Laboratories Ltd
- The Almac Group
- Ulster Wildlife Trust
- Castle Espie
- Belfast Zoo
- RSPB
- Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
- Harnas Wildlife Foundation
- Mopane and Mapesu Private Game Reserve
- Turtle Foundation
- Wildfowl and Wetland trust
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree program, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills—for example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised by a world-leading university, but you'll also have practical national and international experience plus wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Student Testimonials
Program delivery
Contact Teaching Hours
Large Group Teaching
- 9 (hours maximum)
- Typically 3 hours of teaching for each module studied (9 hours in total) and 3 hours practical every 2 weeks for each subject
Personal Study
- 2 (hours maximum)
- Private study and completion of assignments
Learning and Teaching
On the BSc (Hons) in Zoology we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practices in learning.
We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.