Zoology

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, from the molecular mechanisms that drive development and behaviour to the ecological relationships that connect species within ecosystems and the evolutionary processes that have produced the extraordinary diversity of animal life on Earth. It is one of the foundational biological sciences, drawing on genetics, biochemistry, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology to understand how animals are built, how they function, how they behave, and how they interact with their environments.

At the University of Liverpool, this four-year full-time programme includes a year abroad, which is a distinctive and valuable feature of the degree. Spending time studying at a university in another country gives you experience of different ecosystems, scientific traditions, and academic approaches, as well as the personal development that comes from living and working in a different cultural environment. Liverpool has a strong tradition in biological and environmental sciences, and the programme benefits from research-active staff working across a range of areas within zoology and related disciplines.

Across the four years you will develop your understanding of animal biology from the cellular level upward, studying topics that range from animal physiology and genetics to behavioural ecology and conservation biology. You will develop practical skills in fieldwork and laboratory techniques, and you will engage with the quantitative methods and statistical tools that are central to modern biological research. The year abroad adds an international dimension that strengthens both your scientific experience and your broader perspective on the natural world.

Zoology graduates move into careers in conservation and wildlife management, ecological consultancy, animal behaviour research, veterinary pathology, science communication, and education. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study at master's and doctoral level, particularly in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation science, or related fields. Government agencies, environmental NGOs, and international conservation organisations are common employers.