Offering fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad, hands-on laboratory experience and links with zoos and wildlife groups, our degree is among the few accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Gain industry experience through placements and projects with organisations like Sea Life, Twycross Zoo, Derby Museums and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
Put theory into practice by conducting exciting fieldwork in the UK or abroad: in the past, our students have been as far afield as the Maldives
Be inspired by a teaching team which includes world-renowned researchers and which was rated as ‘excellent’ by quality inspectors
When offered, take the opportunity to apply on a competitive basis to go on paid internships with the University or relevant employers
You can also study Zoology as a Joint Honours subject.
Interested in protecting endangered species, safeguarding habitats or encouraging greater understanding of animals in the wild and in captivity? Our degree helps you build the intellectual, professional, personal and technical skills you need.
Gain an in-depth understanding
Focusing on animal biology, our zoology course covers a broad range of topics such as wildlife conservation, ecology and animal behaviour. You’ll also cover the sciences that underpin zoology including genetics, biochemistry and statistics.
This is a hands-on, practical course with plenty of opportunities to undertake field work and laboratory work, develop your technical skills and gain the experience that employers want to see in graduates. Modules are taught through lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and fieldwork.
Professional credibility
Royal Society of Biology
Our zoology course was one of the first of its kind in the country to receive accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, an accolade which carries significant weight within the sector and is only granted after a rigorous independent assessment.
This means that, when you graduate, you’ll meet the requirements for Associate Membership of the Society (AMSB). Following appropriate professional experience, you can then apply for full membership, which is widely recognised throughout the industry and by potential employers.
The Royal Society acts as a single unified voice for biology, advising the government, influencing policy, advancing education and professional development, and encouraging public interest in the life sciences. It only accredits degrees that offer students a solid academic foundation in subject knowledge, technical abilities and transferable skills.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
In addition, we also have accredited degree pathway status from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). The course has been assessed by CIEEM and has been found to offer students the underpinning knowledge and practical skills, including core ecological and environmental theory and significant practical experience, which are required by employers seeking to recruit graduates for a wide range of applied practitioner roles.
Exciting fieldwork opportunities
Fieldwork is a vital element of this course and underpins our CIEEM accreditation.
Our zoology students are, for example, introduced to a variety of survey techniques for a wide range of species, have studied animal interaction at Twycross Zoo, and conducted ecological projects in Majorca. Those selecting our optional Tropical Marine Biology module have undertaken scientific investigations in the Maldives.
In your final year you’ll complete an independent research project, which will help you strengthen your analytical skills and specialise in an area of your choice.
Strong employer links
You’ll benefit from our close working relationship with a broad range of employers from zoos and wildlife parks to museums, conservation organisations, ecological consultancies and government bodies.
We encourage you to undertake work experience throughout your degree to gain real insights into zoology and related areas.
You could also get involved in voluntary work with zoology related industries and the wider community, contributing to initiatives which help safeguard local nature sites and improve the region's green spaces.
Far-reaching research
You’ll learn from an enthusiastic and dedicated teaching team, most of whom are active researchers. They are pursuing important studies into diverse topics including the evolution of animal mating strategies; disease-causing agents in corals; bioremediation of freshwater ecosystems; the welfare of captive orangutans; and the genetics and conservation of natterjack toads.
Our staff publish influential papers, speak at global conferences, serve on the editorial boards of scientific journals and are in demand as media commentators. There is also the opportunity for you to meet professionals from the world of zoology and related fields so you can keep up to date with latest theories and developments.
Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC)
Specialising in securing clean environments, nature recovery, and resilience to natural hazards, we work collaboratively to safeguard our planet for future generations.
This course offers an ‘Industrial Placement Year’ giving you the opportunity to enhance your practical skills by putting theory into practice, network in your industry and stand-out in the graduate job market. The placement year takes place in your third year, once completed, you would return to University to complete your final year of studies.
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
You’ll be taught through lectures and tutorials, supported by hands-on practicals and fieldwork. You could study rutting red deer, or spend a week completing a project in the Mediterranean. You’ll also conduct an independent research project to develop your analytical skills in an area of your choice.
Assessment
Assessment is varied and includes computer-based assessments, scientific posters and oral presentations, professional reports, essays, making short videos, fieldwork and laboratory reports, as well as traditional written examinations. Many assessments can be tailored to suit your own interests and career goals.
Work placements
We offer full support to you if you decide to do a work placement in year three, which we strongly recommend. Work placement allows you to apply in a working environment the skills and knowledge you have gained on your course. This will give you more desirability in the eyes of potential employers. There is also a vocational module so you can gain credits by doing work related to your degree.
Biodiversity loss and why it matters
Dr Andrew Ramsey, Head of the Discipline of Environmental Sciences, discusses the importance of biodiversity and explains how we can contribute to a better future.
GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Part-time students should apply directly to the University.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Part-time students should apply directly to the University.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Our focus is on ensuring you develop strong intellectual, technical and personal skills to build an impressive CV and meet the needs of employers.
On completion of this course, you’ll have not only in-depth knowledge of zoology but also analytical skills to interpret data, written communication skills to produce reports, and project management skills from undertaking experiments and conducting research.
You could find work as a zoologist, ecologist, marine scientist, environmental consultant or nature conservationist, to name but a few roles. Recent graduates have gone on to work in zoos, wildlife parks, wildlife trusts, the RSPCA, the Environment Agency, veterinary practices and environmental consultancy. There are also opportunities to progress to careers in research, teaching, the museum sector, the media, the scientific civil service and areas such as biomedical science.
In addition, our zoology course provides an excellent preparation if you would like to move on to further study, including medical qualifications, a masters degree or a PhD.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
You will receive a dissection kit, goggles and a laboratory coat
All equipment and consumables needed for your experimental/ fieldwork are provided by the University. This is subject to consumables being costed for the Independent Study and approved by your programme leader
Free membership of the Royal Society of Biology for a year after graduation
Mandatory fieldtrips in optional modules: Previous destinations have included Kew Gardens, Sea Life Centre and Hardwick Hall Woodlands
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
If not already owned, appropriate footwear for fieldwork such as Wellington/Walking boots - approximate cost is between £5-£50
If not already owned, appropriate outdoor clothing such as a waterproof jacket and trousers - approximate cost is bewtween £50-£100
Two bound copies of your Independent Study - approximate cost is £12
Optional costs not included in your fees
A pathway within this course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) - this gives you the opportunity to gain Student Membership with CIEEM - approximate cost is £10
Recommended textbooks - approximate cost is £60
Additional international fieldtrip costs for optional modules as follows: Field Biology L5 (Majorca) - approximate cost is £480, Tropical Marine Biology L6 (Maldives) - approximate cost is £1,900
Travel to work experience/placements - cost is dependent on your placement venue of choice
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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