Zoology

Zoology is the scientific study of animals in all their extraordinary diversity, from single-celled protozoa to the great whales. It encompasses the biology, ecology, behaviour, physiology, genetics, and evolution of animal life, and it is a discipline that combines laboratory and field-based investigation with the conceptual frameworks of evolutionary biology, ecology, and genetics. Zoologists seek to understand not just how individual animals work but how they interact with each other and with their environments, and how animal populations and communities change over time.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in the principles and methods of zoology, with connections to Exeter's strong research base in animal biology, behavioural ecology, conservation, and environmental science. You will study animal physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behaviour, developing both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed to carry out scientific investigation. Fieldwork is a core part of zoological education, and you will gain experience working with animals and habitats in real environments.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, making it one of the most structured in terms of professional and experiential learning. You may spend time working with conservation organisations, research institutions, or wildlife management bodies, and the year abroad option allows you to study zoology in a very different ecological and academic context.

You will develop rigorous scientific skills, including experimental design, statistical analysis, field identification techniques, and scientific writing, alongside the ecological understanding needed to address current challenges in biodiversity and conservation.

Graduates of zoology go on to careers in conservation, wildlife management, ecological consultancy, environmental research, education, science communication, and veterinary science. Many go on to postgraduate study in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or related disciplines. The analytical and quantitative skills developed are also valued in data science, environmental policy, and regulatory roles.