Zoology

Zoology is the scientific study of animals in all their diversity, from the simplest invertebrates to the most complex vertebrates. It asks how animal bodies are built and how they function, how behaviour is shaped by evolution and environment, how species interact within ecosystems, and how animal populations respond to change. At a time when biodiversity is under unprecedented threat, the knowledge and analytical skills that zoologists develop are directly relevant to some of the most important scientific and conservation challenges of our time.

This three-year full-time programme at the University of Liverpool includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at an international partner institution and to engage with zoological research in a different ecological and scientific context. Animal diversity and distribution are inherently global questions, and direct experience of studying wildlife in a different environment broadens your understanding in ways that classroom study cannot fully replicate. With a typical tariff of 136 points, the programme attracts students with strong biology foundations and a genuine fascination with the animal kingdom.

You will study animal physiology, evolution, ecology, behaviour, taxonomy, genetics, and conservation biology, developing both the theoretical understanding of how animal systems work and the practical field and laboratory skills to investigate them. Fieldwork is central to zoology degrees, and you will develop skills in animal identification, ecological sampling, behavioural observation, and data analysis that are directly applicable in research and applied conservation settings. The year abroad adds a further layer of field-based learning and international scientific experience.

Graduates from zoology programmes move into careers in wildlife conservation, ecological consultancy, environmental research, zoo management, government agencies, international conservation organisations, and academia. Many continue to postgraduate study in ecology, conservation biology, or wildlife management. The combination of scientific rigour, field skills, and biological knowledge makes zoology graduates versatile across the life sciences and environmental sectors.