Course Overview
Zoology is at the core of our understanding of the natural world. At Swansea University, 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. You will acquire the skills needed to play a major role in many sectors, from terrestrial and marine biology to agriculture, conservation, medicine and veterinary science.
Our Zoology undergraduate programme is designed to equip you with the scientific expertise and transferable skills needed to make meaningful contributions towards solving current environmental and societal challenges. The breadth of the curriculum allows you to develop a broad understanding of ecosystems and the biological principles that govern life on our planet.
The programme encourages you to consider the impact of human activity on the environment, and to explore sustainable approaches to conservation and resource management.
Through a blend of fieldwork, lab research and theoretical study, you will develop the skills to investigate life, becoming an effective communicator and collaborative leader, that is ready to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change and other environmental crises.
Our degree uses ethical, sustainable and innovative approaches to fully prepare you for a range of meaningful careers in academia, conservation, consultancy, and policy development.
Why Zoology at Swansea?
Zoology at Swansea University has a strong reputation, and draws students from all over the world. You will be based on our Singleton Park Campus, set in beautiful parkland overlooking Swansea Bay, where your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-recognised academics.
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 2026)
* 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
Fieldwork is an essential part of the course, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings, including within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on our doorstep. Lab work is also a crucial element, and you can develop your skills in our cutting-edge laboratories.
Your first year will deliver a solid grounding in zoology, encompassing the diversity of life, cellular and microbial biology, animal behaviour, ecology, evolution, genetics and the importance of the oceans to life on Earth. You will also learn the core skills of scientific writing, and data presentation and analysis.
Your second year is curated to ensure that you have access to the breadth and depth of zoological topics that can provide a platform for you to succeed in your final year. The second year also includes a residential zoology field course, and topics include animal behaviour, animal physiology, evolution and entomology, and the opportunity to undertake specialised learning covering subjects from pathogens and parasites to microbiology to conservation.
In year three, teaching spans the breadth of zoology, with themes ranging from molecular biotechnology through to global challenges, and opportunities to study whole organism biology, evolution, ecology and animal behaviour.
This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, offering invaluable life experience.
This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Year in Applied Research enables you to develop advanced research skills. You will be housed in our research groups, on exchange with our partners in Exeter or Aberystwyth, or can be linked with industry, or a combination of these options.
The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.