Thank you for considering an application
To apply you’ll need to:
- Make note of the Queen Mary institution code: Q50
- Make note of your chosen course UCAS code:
Zoology
- C300 — BSc (Hons)
- CCX2 — BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation
- C30Y — BSc (Hons) with a Year Abroad
- NULL — BSc (Hons) with Year in Industry
- Click on the link below:
Have further questions? How to apply | Entry requirements
Zoology BSc
4 study options
Zoology BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start
- September 2026
- UCAS code
- C300
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9790
- Overseas fees
- £32950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2026
- UCAS code
- CCX2
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9790
- Overseas fees
- £25500
Funding information
Paying your fees
Zoology with a Year Abroad BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2026
- UCAS code
- C30Y
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9790
- Overseas fees
- £32950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Zoology with Year in Industry BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2026
- UCAS code
- NULL
- Institution code
- Q50
- Entry Requirements
- Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
- Home fees
- £9,790
- Overseas fees
- £32,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Overview
From microscopic creatures to turtles and bats, discover the structure, physiology, distribution and behaviour of animals.
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Explore zoological thinking with this course designed to unpick the concepts that shape our understanding of animal diversity. </span><span data-contrast="auto">We</span><span data-contrast="auto">’</span><span data-contrast="auto">ll give you a thorough grounding in vertebrate and invertebrate biology, as well as physiology, behaviour, evolution and neurobiology. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Is there a particular area that interests you? With our wide range of optional modules, you can also explore vital areas of zoology like molecular and population genetics, ecology and immunology.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}"> </span></p>
<h2 aria-level="2"><span data-contrast="none">Fascinating Fieldwork</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":312}"> </span></h2>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Queen Mary has an excellent reputation for research in this area, with projects as diverse as </span><span data-contrast="auto">the intelligence of bees to studying how environmental DNA is transported through the landscape. One project even uncovered the truth behind how non-native birds arrived and spread in Britain.</span><span> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We believe you should apply your skills to the real world too. As part of our core and optional modules, you</span><span data-contrast="auto">’</span><span data-contrast="auto">ll join us on trips across the UK and abroad. You might study tropical ecology in Kruger Park, South Africa. Or perhaps you</span><span data-contrast="auto">’</span><span data-contrast="auto">ll explore terrestrial and freshwater aquatic ecosystems in Croatia.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Where in the world will this degree take you?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/undergraduate/undergraduate/field-trips/"><span class="action--primary action"><strong><span class="TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8">Learn more about field trips</span></span></strong></span></a></p>
Structure
You can complete your Zoology degree in three or four years.
If you choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and the Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.
Year 1
Core and compulsory
- Practical Biology
- Cells
- Evolution
- Molecular Genetics
- Essential Skills for Biologists
- Practical Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Physiology
- Ecology
- Basic Biochemistry
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 2
Core and compulsory
Guided elective
- Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics
- Comparative & Integrative Physiology
- Enzymes and Metabolism
- Infectious Disease Biology
- Ecosystem Science
- Techniques in Biological Sciences
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 3
Core and compulsory
Guided elective
- Structured Research Project
- Population and Chromosome Genetics
- Functional Genomics and Epigenetics
- Neuroscience: from Molecules to Behaviour
- Reproductive and Development Biology
- Endocrine Physiology and Biochemistry
- Coding Skills and Data Science
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The full programme details and description are available in our Programme and Module Directory
Study options
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Year in industry
This option is available to transfer onto providing you achieve a satisfactory academic result in Year 1. If you choose to transfer to this programme you will spend a year working in a professional experience position in your penultimate year as part of your degree. During your second year you will identify and apply for a professional experience opportunity, with one on one support provided by your adviser.
As well as helping you to stand out from the crowd and secure graduate employment, a Year in Industry is an excellent opportunity to develop real world skills and put your learning into context. Students can apply for professional experience positions in a range of sectors, including hospital clinics, mental health charities, HR, market research, youth centres, government or clinical research labs.
Opportunities are highly competitive. If you are unable to obtain a professional experience position, you'll transfer onto our BSc programme and complete Year 3 at Queen Mar
Year abroad
Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Zoology BSc with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).
Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are. Learn more about financing your year abroad,
Additional Costs
Compulsory fieldwork will not cost you anything extra. For optional fieldwork, you will have to cover the cost of your flight and contribute towards accommodation and food.
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Student Testimonial
Zoology was the perfect course for me as I'd like to go onto working with reptiles or marine animals. The lab sessions have been a particular highlight for me. The field trips have been highly enriching, with one particularly memorable excursion focusing on the observation of duck and swan behaviors.
Teaching
Teaching and learning
We use a mixture of teaching styles - lectures, tutorials, classroom activities and laboratory work.
Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 20 to 25 hours per week preparing, writing up and reading.
Assessment
<p>Each module is assessed by written examinations and coursework (practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).</p>
<p>Final-year students undertake a research or investigative project, assessed with a detailed written report, poster and interview.</p>
<h2 aria-level='2'><span data-ccp-props='{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":312}'>Field Trips</span></h2>
<p><span data-ccp-props='{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}'><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>P</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW233097874 BCX8'>assionate</span><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'> about ecology, </span><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>conservation</span><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'> or animal biology</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>? Y</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW233097874 BCX8'>ou</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW233097874 BCX8'>’</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW233097874 BCX8'>ll</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'> have the chance to develop </span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>real-world skills with our field </span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>trips. Past students have</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'> </span><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>studied</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'> </span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>large mammals in South Africa </span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>and explored</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'> ecological interactions in Croatia</span></span><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>. Click the button below to find out more:</span></span></span></p>
<p><a href='https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/undergraduate/undergraduate/field-trips/'><span class='action--primary action'><strong><span class='TextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8' data-contrast='auto'><span class='NormalTextRun SCXW233097874 BCX8'>Learn more about field trips</span></span></strong></span></a></p>
Resources and facilities
<p>The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>newly refurbished lecture theatres</li>
<li>up-to-date IT facilities</li>
<li>modern, well-equipped labs.</li>
</ul>
<p><a class='action' title='View tour of Fogg Building' href='https://www.qmul.ac.uk/study/explore-our-campuses/mile-end/ge-fogg-building/'>View tour of Fogg Building</a></p>
Entry requirements
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | BTEC qualifications are considered for entry to this programme.\n |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 credits must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. \nFor further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Biology at A-Level. \n\nOur enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Biology at A-Level. \n\nMore information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. \n\nPlease note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. \n |
| A-Level | Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level. A second science subject at Higher Level of Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required. |
| BTEC | BTEC qualifications are considered for entry to this programme. |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 9 credits must be at Distinction, 36 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| Contextualised admissions | We consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages. |
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | BTEC qualifications are considered for entry to this programme. |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 credits must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Biology at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Biology at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
Non-UK students
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
If your qualifications are not accepted for direct entry onto this degree, consider applying for a foundation programme.
English language
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
Further information
Funding
Loans and grants
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
Support from Queen Mary
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
- additional sources of funding
- planning your budget and cutting costs
- part-time and vacation work
- money for lone parents.
Careers
<p>Many of our students progress into scientific roles such as clinical and laboratory work, postgraduate research or science communication. Others transfer their skills into sectors such as marketing and finance.</p>
<p>100 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA GOS 2022/23).</p>
<p>Recent Zoology graduates have been hired by:</p>
<ul>
<li>ZSL London Zoo</li>
<li>Kent Wildlife Trust</li>
<li>London Wildlife Trust</li>
<li>Forestry Commission</li>
<li>The Environment Partnership</li>
<li>Natural History Museum</li>
<li>Zoological Society of London</li>
</ul>
Career support
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has a careers consultant, who can offer specialist advice and organise subject-specific events. We also have a dedicated internships coordinator.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
<ul>
<li>specialist advice on choosing a career path</li>
<li>support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs</li>
<li>feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms</li>
<li>interview coaching.</li>
</ul>
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
Data for these courses
Zoology - BSc (Hons)
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)
About the School
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is a large and dynamic school with strong links to industry. We offer a stimulating and supportive learning experience.
You’ll experience inspirational teaching from high-calibre staff who are leaders in their field. According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 91 per cent of our Biological Sciences research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. You’ll stay up to date with weekly departmental seminars on new research findings.
Thanks to our close teaching and research links, students have special opportunities for original investigative work with the Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, Forest Enterprise, and University of London’s Marine Biological Station at Millport in Scotland.
