MSci Zoology (C303)

2025 entry | view 2026 entry

Zoology (C303)

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Course summary

Our MSci Zoology course is recommended for students with ambitions to continue in zoological research who want additional experience and a competitive edge when applying for PhDs or research jobs.

Modern zoology is interdisciplinary and we believe that you need to be aware of the depth and breadth of animal biology, from the molecular to the ecological. Our zoology degree begins broadly and introduces more choice in years two and three.

You will have the freedom to tailor your course to your interests and to specialise or maintain breadth in your studies. The range of research and transferable skills you will learn will enhance your employability as a graduate.

The additional fourth year of the MSci contains advanced skills training and a substantial research project which is especially valuable for those aiming for a career in biological sciences.

We have outstanding facilities in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building and the School of Biological Sciences has a world-class reputation for animal behaviour research. Many of our lecturers are world-leading researchers in animal behaviour and sensory biology and lead internationally recognised field studies on wild animal populations.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
ABB including AB in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Biology units

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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85% overall, with 8.5 in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
Advanced Higher: AA in Biology and another science-related subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/ Medical/ Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science subject, one achieved at 12 credits at Distinction and the other achieved at 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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