Zoology, BSc (Hons)

4th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Deepen your understanding of the natural world

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Course Overview

Zoology is at the core of our understanding of the natural world. At Swansea you will enjoy unique opportunities to dedicate yourself to the scientific study of animals, from their physiology and anatomy, ecology and behaviour, to their evolution and conservation, acquiring the skills to play a major role in many sectors, from terrestrial and marine biology and conservation to agriculture, medicine, public health and veterinary science.

You will have an unrivalled opportunity to study animals in their natural environments, from the rich coastal, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats on our doorstep in the Gower Peninsula, to further afield environments visited during UK-based and international residential field courses. Our excellent teaching facilities include: new laboratory facilities; the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research; a zoology museum; a custom-designed 18-metre research vessel; and a unique visualisation suite to explore in unrivalled detail complex animal movement and behaviour data.

Why Zoology at Swansea?

You will be studying on one of the leading Zoology programmes in the UK, which is currently ranked:

  • 4th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 4th in the UK for Overall Positivity(NSS 2025)*
  • 5th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 11th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 14th in the UK for Research – assessed under ‘Biological Sciences’ (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Zoology at Swansea University attracts students from far and wide and is based on our stunning Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay, where your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics.

* Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 - 26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Zoology Experience

You will benefit from having access to our excellent teaching facilities, which include:

New laboratory facilities, the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, a zoology museum, a custom-designed 18-metre research vessel, and a unique visualisation suite to explore in unrivalled detail complex animal movement and behaviour data.

You will embark on exciting field courses available both near and far, which allow you to work in varied habitats, exploring the amazing natural areas on our doorstep, and natural life in distant lands such as India, Borneo, and the Red Sea.

A flexibly structured degree path means you will have the opportunity to study abroad, work in industry or undertake research for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas, expanding your horizons and gaining valuable experience ready for the world of work.

Zoology Employment Opportunities

If you are passionate about our planet and the environment and see your future career in the field of biosciences, you will have the opportunity to learn from, and work with, staff who are involved in world-leading research projects. These include the conservation of our oceans and their ecosystems, the development of sustainable aquaculture and the innovative uses for algae as a solution to the global challenges of climate change.

Our graduates are well placed to enter roles in fields aligned to the Zoology specialism; you may discover that your future lies in a career as a biotechnologist, a conservationist or an animal health expert. Zoologists also have a major role to play in conservation but also often influence developments in sectors such as agriculture, marine biology, medicine, public health and veterinary science. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to become:

  • Ecologists, Project Officers, Hydrometry and Telemetry Officers, Benthic Taxonomists, Wildlife and Education Officers, Animal Keepers and Crop Technicians.

Our department also has strong connections with international and national organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, The British Mammal Society and The National Wetlands Centre Wales, which will add value to your studies.

Find out why our students love studying Bioscience at Swansea.

Professor Rory Wilson talks about how his research helps tackle major global challenges

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBB

Zoology, BSc (Hons)

Zoology with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Zoology with a Year in Applied Research, BSc (Hons)

Zoology with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)

Zoology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)