Zoology Lancaster University

Lancaster is an exceptional place to study Zoology, where you can turn your passion for animals and the natural world into real expertise, all within stunning surroundings. Your learning goes far beyond the laboratory - right on your doorstep, you’ll explore diverse ecosystems, observe social behaviours, and engage with vital issues such as wildlife conservation and biodiversity. This hands-on experience deepens your understanding of the living world and prepares you for a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities.

What to expect

Our three-year BSc Hons Zoology degree begins with the broad foundations of the subject. You will study four core modules where you learn about the evolution of species and their biodiversity, and you begin to develop your skills in data analysis and fieldwork. You will also choose 2 optional modules to study alongside these.

In Year two, your four core modules explore topics such as evolution and vertebrate biology in greater depth, while you continue to develop essential research skills through both laboratory work and field-based study. You will choose to study 2 optional modules as you begin to specialise in the areas that interest you.

Your final year is your opportunity to shape your degree around your interests, choosing from a range of optional modules to suit your passions. Alongside this, you will bring together the knowledge and skills you have developed by completing an independent dissertation research project. This may involve working with our internationally recognised academics or collaborating with an industry partner through our Enterprise and Business Partnerships team.

Getting out in the field

Practical work doesn’t just take place in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You have the opportunity to participate in exciting field trips which form part of the core modules you study. These include local excursions to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Bowland Fells and a residential trip to Cornwall. There, you will stay on a working farm, visit an ancient temperate rainforest, and learn how people are working to mitigate human impacts on the environment using strategies like regenerative agriculture, rewilding and eco-tourism.

In Year 3 you may use your optional modules to visit the Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland to develop an independent project exploring the ecology of rocky shores, sandy beaches and underwater habitats. Or take a trip to Africa to contribute to an expert-led study of the Rift Valley of Kenya, where you will evaluate the challenging balance between tropical conservation and human activity.

Personal development

Through learning about habitats, ecosystems, animal behaviour, biodiversity and global challenges, you will develop the knowledge and skills to take into your career. You will gain skills in:

• Sampling and identifying plants and animals in the field

• Designing and conducting laboratory experiments

• Recording and analysing data

• Developing and managing research projects

• Communicating scientific information to a variety of audiences

3 things we want you to know:

• Lancaster is a great choice for getting closer than ever to nature. The University’s location means you can quickly access two national parks, the Lake District World Heritage Site and the Yorkshire Dales, and a number of nature reserves and forest areas

• Many students join LUSU Green, a group run by the Students’ Union, who are working to create thriving natural environments on campus

• The global fieldwork experiences are some of the most valuable, helping you to explore new environments and build confidence

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. This should include two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate subject content.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM to include sufficient science. We require Distinctions in the majority of relevant science units. Not all science-based BTECs will include sufficient relevant science units. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including two HL science subjects at grade 6

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Not accepted

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.