MSci Zoology (C303)

2027 entry

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Zoology (C303)

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Course summary

On our MSci Zoology degree you'll explore everything from biological molecules to entire ecosystems. This breadth and depth give you a competitive edge, whether you're aiming for graduate roles in industry or planning to pursue an academic career in research.

On this four-year master's course, you'll investigate genetics, physiology, behaviour and evolution. You'll develop the analytical and practical skills needed to understand animals in their natural environments. All this in the context of global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change.

The MSci Zoology degree begins with a broad foundation in animal biology. As you progress into years two and three, you'll be introduced to more choices and have the freedom to tailor your course to your interests, specialising or maintaining breadth in your studies.

The fourth year of the MSci focuses on advanced analytical training and a substantial research project. You'll get to enhance your transferable skills and deepen your expertise in a topic of your choice.

At Bristol, you'll be part of the School of Biological Sciences based in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building, home to world-leading researchers in animal behaviour and communication, sensory biology, evolution, ecology and field studies of wild populations. From the origins of life and the latest insights into animal senses, to understanding the future changes to our planet, you'll learn from leaders in the field.

What you'll gain: skills and careers

Career paths

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Graduate Ecologist
  • Civil Servant
  • Conservation and Research Intern
  • Learning Facilitator

Skills taught

  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Research skills
  • Scientific communication
  • Practical laboratory skills
  • Teamwork

Graduate employers

  • National History Museum
  • Home Office
  • The Hawk Conservancy
  • ARUP
  • The Wildlife Trusts

Course structure

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

Go to programme catalogue

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.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Biology units

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
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.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AA in Biology and another science-related subject, and 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 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or 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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More about UK qualifications.

Fees

Home students
Year
Year 1 fee
2027/28
£10,050
International students
Year
Year 1 fee
2027/28
£32,500
Further fees information

If you are studying an undergraduate course part-time, your tuition fee will normally be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee for the course.

Fees are subject to annual review and are liable to rise each year.

Home fees will be set in line with UK government policy and updated as per their guidance, while international fees increase annually in line with expected inflation rises.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.