Zoology with Foundation Year

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, encompassing their evolution, physiology, behaviour, ecology, and conservation. It is a discipline that asks fundamental questions about how life works and how organisms have adapted to such extraordinary diversity of form and habitat, from deep ocean trenches to high altitude environments and from ancient lineages to rapidly evolving modern species. Zoology is also urgently relevant to some of the defining challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, species extinction, climate change impacts on wildlife, and the management of animal populations in a human-dominated world.

At the University of Reading, this four-year programme includes a foundation year, giving you a supported entry into the natural sciences before you advance to the full zoology degree. The foundation year builds core academic skills alongside introductory biological and scientific content, creating a strong platform for the specialist study that follows. The main programme develops your knowledge of animal evolution and physiology, animal behaviour, ecology, population dynamics, and the conservation biology that underpins efforts to protect threatened species and ecosystems.

Reading has excellent connections to fieldwork opportunities, and zoology students gain practical experience studying animals in natural and managed habitats.

Zoology graduates work in conservation organisations, wildlife charities, national parks, environmental consultancies, government agencies, zoos, aquariums, museums, science communication, and academic research. The practical and analytical skills the degree develops are valued wherever rigorous biological understanding and the ability to collect and interpret field and laboratory data are needed. Further study at master's or PhD level in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or related environmental sciences is a common and well-supported route for graduates who wish to pursue research or specialist professional roles.