Zoology

Zoology is the scientific study of animal life in all its complexity, from the molecular mechanisms within cells to the population dynamics of entire ecosystems. It encompasses anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, and evolutionary biology, asking how animals are built, how they function, how they have adapted to their environments over millions of years, and how they interact with other species and with the physical world. In a period when biodiversity loss, climate change, and the collapse of wildlife populations are among the defining challenges of our time, the work of zoologists has never been more important.

At the University of Southampton, this four-year, full-time integrated MSci explores the effects of climate change on animal life, the ecological impact of animal populations, and the conservation of endangered species, combining undergraduate and postgraduate learning in a single programme. You will develop expertise in animal biology, ecology, and evolutionary science alongside specialist topics and research skills developed through an advanced research project in the final year. A sandwich year, year abroad option, and work placement opportunities are all available, giving you professional experience in research organisations, conservation bodies, or wildlife management settings and broadening your academic and professional network before you graduate.

Graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for careers in conservation biology, wildlife management, ecological research, environmental consultancy, and science communication. The MSci qualification also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral research, and many graduates go on to PhDs in zoology, ecology, or conservation biology. Others work in government environmental agencies, wildlife trusts, zoos, national parks, marine conservation organisations, and international bodies.

The combination of scientific rigour, specialist knowledge, and research experience the degree develops positions graduates at the forefront of a discipline that plays a central role in understanding and protecting life on Earth.