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  6. Zoology, BSc (Hons)

Zoology, BSc (Hons)

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Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
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5th for overall student satisfaction

National Student Survey 2020

Key Course Details

  • UK
  • EU
  • International
3 Year Full Time
UCAS Code
C300
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
ABB-BBB
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 9,000
4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad
UCAS Code
C301
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
ABB-BBB
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 9,000
4 Year Full Time With a Year In Industry
UCAS Code
C384
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
ABB-BBB
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 9,000
3 Year Full Time
UCAS Code
C300
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
ABB-BBB
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 18,450
4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad
UCAS Code
C301
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
ABB-BBB
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 18,450
4 Year Full Time With a Year In Industry
UCAS Code
C384
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
ABB-BBB
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 18,450
3 Year Full Time
UCAS Code
C300
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
ABB-BBB - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 18,450
4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad
UCAS Code
C301
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
ABB-BBB - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 18,450
4 Year Full Time With a Year In Industry
UCAS Code
C384
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
ABB-BBB - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 18,450
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
tef gold logo

Course Overview

  • 2nd in the UK for organisation and management [National Student Survey, 2020]
  • 3rd in the UK for teaching on my course [National Student Survey, 2020]
  • 5th in the Uk for overall satisfaction [National Student Survey, 2020]
  • World-ranked [QS World University Rankings]

Logo QS World Ranking for BiosciencesZoology is dedicated to the academic understanding of animal behaviour and effective methods of enhancing animal welfare. This spans everything from animal anatomy and evolution, to physiology and ecology.

Our BSc Zoology degree gives students an unrivalled opportunity to study animal behaviour, physiology, taxonomy, ecology and conservation.

Why Zoology at Swansea?

Zoology at Swansea University attracts students from far and wide and is based on our stunning Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay.

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics including Professor Rory Wilson – Chief Scientific Consultant behind National Geographic’s Great Migrations, and Dr Richard Unsworth – advisor on the globally acclaimed BBC series Blue Planet II.

Related courses
BSc Biology with a foundation year - for students who don't meet the necessary requirements to enter onto the first year of a degree course.
Available with Year in Industry or Year Abroad options
Marine Biology, BSc (Hons) Biology, BSc (Hons)
Biological Sciences deferred choice, BSc (Hons)

Your Zoology Experience

  • A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.
  • You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and discussion groups, supported by practical classes and field courses.
  • Our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities include the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, a Zoological Museum, a custom-designed 18 metre catamaran-class survey vessel, and a unique visualisation centre that displays multi-dimensional information from animal tracking data.
  • Field courses available near and far allow you to work varied habitats locally and internationally.

Zoology Employment Opportunities

Our graduate have become Ecologists, Project Officers, Hydrometry and Telemetry Officers, Benthic Taxonomists, Wildlife and Education Officers, Animal Keepers and Crop Technicians.

Our department 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.

Programme Disclaimer

Undergraduate Prospectus

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Guaranteed offer for 2020*

Welsh Medium Study

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Programme Specification

Find out why our students love studying Bioscience at Swansea.

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

Students at Sikkim
Rory Wilson talks about endangered species

Student profiles

Emmanuel Lourdes

"The lecturers here are so friendly and enthusiastic in their teaching and the modules themselves are well structured and exciting."

Emmanuel Lourdes, BSc Zoology, Research Assistant, Tropical Infectious Disease Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Malaysia.

Modules

You will study the following set compulsory modules and select from a choice of optional modules over the course of your degree. In your final year you will take a ten-week 30-credit biosciences research project module which can be field-based in the UK or overseas, laboratory-based or purely analytical.

BSc 3 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO109 Period September-January20Core Skills for Biological Sciences
BIO111 Period September-January20Botany and Ecology
BIO114 Period September-January20Animal Diversity and Behaviour
BIO104 Period January-June20Cellular & Microbial Biology
BIO108 Period January-June20Evolution and Genetics
BIO112 Period January-June20Life in the Oceans

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO230 Period September-January15Entomology - General Introduction
BIO231 Period September-January15Year 2 Biological Sciences Literature Review
BIO252 Period September-January15Ecological Data Analysis
BIO229 Period January-June15Tetrapod Evolution
Optional Modules
Zoology Field Course  

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : BIO251 only available to students that have authorisation and valid evidence for missing the Year 2 field course in any discipline.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO251 Period January-June15Biosciences Year 2 field course alternative assessment
BIO253 Period January-June15Introduction to field zoology
AND
Zoology Optional  

Choose Exactly 45 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO224 Period September-January15Ichthyology
BIO228 Period September-January15Parasitology
BIO232 Period September-January15Plant Ecology
BIO234 Period September-January15Animal behaviour in conservation and welfare
BIO235 Period January-June15Molecular Ecology
BIO237 Period January-June15Marine Invertebrates
BIO239 Period January-June15Ecological Microbiology and the Cycles of Life
BIO258 Period January-June15Animal Physiology
BIO259 Period January-June15Comparative Immunology

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO350 Period September-June30Biosciences Research Project
Optional Modules
Fieldtrip 

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Zoologists MUST choose ONE (and only one) of the following.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
GEB301Academic Year20Interdisciplinary Field Course to the Indian Himalayas (Sikkim)GEB301 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
BIO327 Period January-June20Tropical marine ecology field courseBIO327 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
BIO331 Period January-June20Professional skills in conservation
BIO340 Period January-June20Professional Laboratory Skills
BIO347 Period January-June20 Tropical Ecology and Conservation - Borneo Field TripBIO347 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
AND
Zoology Recommended  

Choose Minimum Of 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : No more than 70 credits can be selected from any one semester.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO316 Period September-January10Mammalian Carnivore Ecology and Conservation
BIO337 Period September-January10Biodiversity
BIO342 Period September-January10Sensory Ecology
BIO344 Period January-June10Hormones and Behaviour
BIO345 Period January-June10Macroevolution and Phylogenies
BIO355 Period January-June10Animal behaviour - from individuals to groups
AND
Zoology Optional  

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : No more than 70 credits can be selected from any one semester.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO318 Period September-January10Ecology of Marine Megafauna
BIO319 Period September-January10Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests
BIO325 Period September-January10Physics for Biologists
BIO329 Period September-January10Climate Change Biology
BIO330 Period September-January10Tropical marine ecology and conservation
BIO334 Period September-January10Advanced Data Analysis
BIO341 Period September-January10Plant Conservation and Ecology
BIO343 Period September-January10Natural Products that Shape Our World
BIO328 Period January-June10Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases
BIO338 Period January-June10Polar Biology

BA 4 Year Full-time (with a year abroad)

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO109 Period September-January20Core Skills for Biological Sciences
BIO111 Period September-January20Botany and Ecology
BIO114 Period September-January20Animal Diversity and Behaviour
BIO104 Period January-June20Cellular & Microbial Biology
BIO108 Period January-June20Evolution and Genetics
BIO112 Period January-June20Life in the Oceans

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO230 Period September-January15Entomology - General Introduction
BIO231 Period September-January15Year 2 Biological Sciences Literature Review
BIO252 Period September-January15Ecological Data Analysis
BIO229 Period January-June15Tetrapod Evolution
Optional Modules
Zoology Field Course  

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : BIO251 only available to students that have authorisation and valid evidence for missing the Year 2 field course in any discipline.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO251 Period January-June15Biosciences Year 2 field course alternative assessment
BIO253 Period January-June15Introduction to field zoology
AND
Zoology Optional  

Choose Exactly 45 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO224 Period September-January15Ichthyology
BIO228 Period September-January15Parasitology
BIO232 Period September-January15Plant Ecology
BIO234 Period September-January15Animal behaviour in conservation and welfare
BIO235 Period January-June15Molecular Ecology
BIO237 Period January-June15Marine Invertebrates
BIO239 Period January-June15Ecological Microbiology and the Cycles of Life
BIO258 Period January-June15Animal Physiology
BIO259 Period January-June15Comparative Immunology

Year 3 (Level 5S)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate Sandwich Year
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BI-S00 Period September-June120Year Abroad (Bioscience)

Year 4 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO350 Period September-June30Biosciences Research Project
Optional Modules
Fieldtrip 

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Zoologists MUST choose ONE (and only one) of the following.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
GEB301Academic Year20Interdisciplinary Field Course to the Indian Himalayas (Sikkim)GEB301 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
BIO327 Period January-June20Tropical marine ecology field courseBIO327 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
BIO331 Period January-June20Professional skills in conservation
BIO340 Period January-June20Professional Laboratory Skills
BIO347 Period January-June20 Tropical Ecology and Conservation - Borneo Field TripBIO347 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
AND
Zoology Recommended  

Choose Minimum Of 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : No more than 70 credits can be selected from any one semester.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO316 Period September-January10Mammalian Carnivore Ecology and Conservation
BIO337 Period September-January10Biodiversity
BIO342 Period September-January10Sensory Ecology
BIO344 Period January-June10Hormones and Behaviour
BIO345 Period January-June10Macroevolution and Phylogenies
BIO355 Period January-June10Animal behaviour - from individuals to groups
AND
Zoology Optional  

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : No more than 70 credits can be selected from any one semester.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO318 Period September-January10Ecology of Marine Megafauna
BIO319 Period September-January10Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests
BIO325 Period September-January10Physics for Biologists
BIO329 Period September-January10Climate Change Biology
BIO330 Period September-January10Tropical marine ecology and conservation
BIO334 Period September-January10Advanced Data Analysis
BIO341 Period September-January10Plant Conservation and Ecology
BIO343 Period September-January10Natural Products that Shape Our World
BIO328 Period January-June10Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases
BIO338 Period January-June10Polar Biology

BSc 4 Year Full-time (with a year in Industry)

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO109 Period September-January20Core Skills for Biological Sciences
BIO111 Period September-January20Botany and Ecology
BIO114 Period September-January20Animal Diversity and Behaviour
BIO104 Period January-June20Cellular & Microbial Biology
BIO108 Period January-June20Evolution and Genetics
BIO112 Period January-June20Life in the Oceans

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BI-200Academic Year0Professional Development and Careers Planning
BIO230 Period September-January15Entomology - General Introduction
BIO231 Period September-January15Year 2 Biological Sciences Literature Review
BIO252 Period September-January15Ecological Data Analysis
BIO229 Period January-June15Tetrapod Evolution
Optional Modules
Zoology Field Course  

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : BIO251 only available to students that have authorisation and valid evidence for missing the Year 2 field course in any discipline.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO251 Period January-June15Biosciences Year 2 field course alternative assessment
BIO253 Period January-June15Introduction to field zoology
AND
Zoology Optional  

Choose Exactly 45 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO224 Period September-January15Ichthyology
BIO228 Period September-January15Parasitology
BIO232 Period September-January15Plant Ecology
BIO234 Period September-January15Animal behaviour in conservation and welfare
BIO236 Period September-January15Cells and Immunity
BIO227 Period January-June15Marine Plankton And Oceanography
BIO235 Period January-June15Molecular Ecology
BIO237 Period January-June15Marine Invertebrates
BIO239 Period January-June15Ecological Microbiology and the Cycles of Life
BIO258 Period January-June15Animal Physiology
BIO259 Period January-June15Comparative Immunology

Year 3 (Level 5S)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate Sandwich Year
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BI-E00Academic Year120Bioscience Industrial Placement Year

Year 4 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
BIO350 Period September-June30Biosciences Research Project
Optional Modules
Fieldtrip 

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Zoologists MUST choose ONE (and only one) of the following.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
GEB301Academic Year20Interdisciplinary Field Course to the Indian Himalayas (Sikkim)GEB301 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
BIO327 Period January-June20Tropical marine ecology field courseBIO327 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
BIO331 Period January-June20Professional skills in conservation
BIO340 Period January-June20Professional Laboratory Skills
BIO347 Period January-June20 Tropical Ecology and Conservation - Borneo Field TripBIO347 If you are unsuccessful in securing a place on this module, you MUST select BIO331 or BIO340.
AND
Zoology Recommended  

Choose Minimum Of 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : No more than 70 credits can be selected from any one semester.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO316 Period September-January10Mammalian Carnivore Ecology and Conservation
BIO337 Period September-January10Biodiversity
BIO342 Period September-January10Sensory Ecology
BIO344 Period January-June10Hormones and Behaviour
BIO345 Period January-June10Macroevolution and Phylogenies
BIO355 Period January-June10Animal behaviour - from individuals to groups
AND
Zoology Optional  

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : No more than 70 credits can be selected from any one semester.

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIO318 Period September-January10Ecology of Marine Megafauna
BIO319 Period September-January10Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests
BIO325 Period September-January10Physics for Biologists
BIO329 Period September-January10Climate Change Biology
BIO330 Period September-January10Tropical marine ecology and conservation
BIO334 Period September-January10Advanced Data Analysis
BIO341 Period September-January10Plant Conservation and Ecology
BIO343 Period September-January10Natural Products that Shape Our World
BIO328 Period January-June10Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases
BIO338 Period January-June10Polar Biology
BIO355 Period January-June10Animal behaviour - from individuals to groups

Entry Requirements

A levels: grades ABB-BBB, to include Biology or Human Biology, or equivalent.

Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A levels where you can substitute the same non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Level Core Grade

BTEC Extended Diploma: Grades DDD plus at least one GCSE grade B in Science with GCSE Grades C in English/Welsh and Mathematics. Accepted BTECs: Applied Science, Environmental Sustainability, Countryside Management.

Scottish Highers: ABBCC to include Biology grade B.

Access to Science (Bioscience): 24 Distinctions (3 of which must be Biology) and 15 Merits at Level 3.

IB: with 32 overall to include 5 in Higher Level Biology.

IELTS: 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or equivalent English test.

We may consider other qualifications if they are science-based if they are equivalent to A-levels, and if the content of the qualification includes significant amounts of Biology (i.e., equivalent to A-level Biology).

All applications will be considered on an individual basis, and we will look at the whole application when deciding whether to make an offer of a place, including: the balance, nature and quality of A-level, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalent); personal statement and referee’s comments.

General Studies and Key Skills qualifications are normally excluded from our offers.

How You're Taught

Teaching during Covid19

Teaching block one (TB1) runs from September until January and during this block, for this year, this course will be taught in a ‘blended’ way. This means that some teaching will be done online and some will be on campus. The online teaching, where you will be physically apart from your lecturer, can be ‘live’ with your lecturer present and where you’ll be able to interact. Some of it may be self-directed which means that you can access the learning materials at a time to suit you. 

The exact mix of these activities will vary by discipline and year; not all activities will be used in all cases.  

 LIVESELF-DIRECTED
ON-LINE
  • Weekly Zoom sessions for modules      
  • Some zoom webinars 
  • PC practicals /workshops
  • Workshops and seminars
  • Academic mentoring
  • Lectures
  • Activities
  • Formative quizzes
  • Independent study: Reading
  • Assessment 
ON-CAMPUS
  • Laboratory practicals
  • Field practicals
  • PC practicals
  • Office hours
  • Some academic mentoring
  • Group work
  • Projects

This course offers some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study this subject through the medium of Welsh and our dedicated academy, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
  • Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
  • Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
  • The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
  • A Welsh-speaking academic tutor.
  • One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
  • An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.

To see further details about the level of provision delivered in Welsh on this particular degree scheme, please see the Welsh-language course page for further information.

Since 2011, there has been a 40% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our TEF* data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers in regards to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

Professional Body Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are all active researchers. Their research activities in areas such as environmental conservation, sustainable aquaculture, biocontrol and species monitoring, help to change the world for the better.

  • Professor Dan Eastwood Head of Department
  • Dr Penny Neyland Programme Director
  • Dr Almudena Ortiz-Urquiza Admissions Tutor
  • Dr Miguel Lurgi Admissions Tutor

See all of the Biosciences staff

Tuition Fees

3 Year Full Time

Start Date UK EU International
September 2020 £ 9,000 £ 9,000 £ 17,900
September 2021 £ 9,000 £ 18,450 £ 18,450

4 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad

Start Date UK EU International
September 2020 £ 9,000 £ 9,000 £ 17,900
September 2021 £ 9,000 £ 18,450 £ 18,450

4 Year Full Time With a Year In Industry

Start Date UK EU International
September 2020 £ 9,000 £ 9,000 £ 17,900
September 2021 £ 9,000 £ 18,450 £ 18,450

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, year abroad or placement year) a lower fee will apply. For more information visit our tuition fees page.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

EU Transitional Bursary available for September 2021.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Our degree schemes in Biology, Zoology and Marine Biology are eligible for the Ysgoloriaeth Cymhelliant scholarships for those students who wish to pursue part of their studies through the Welsh language. Students who intend to study at least 33% of their subject through the medium of Welsh can apply. We offer 40 credits through Welsh at all levels.

More information on scholarships

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

  • Travel to and from campus
  • Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
  • Purchase of books or texts
  • Gowns for graduation ceremonies
  • Lab coat and dissection kit (Level 1 for all degree programmes) – approximately £30
  • Tropical Marine Biology field course in Puerto Rico - (costs ~£1200 - £1700 tbc)
  • Sikkim overseas field trip (Biology and Zoology Level 3 - optional) – student contributes £500 towards travel and accommodation

*We also advise all students to have suitable outdoor clothing and sensible footwear (wellington boots).

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

  • Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
  • Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
  • Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
  • Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
  • Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
  • Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

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 zoology graduates are set on course for a range of stimulating opportunities. You may discover your future lies in a career as a biotechnologist, a conservationist or an animal health expert.

Zoologists 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.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Maths and statistics
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Digital skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Note taking
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques
  • English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. All students on our undergraduate courses are assigned an Academic Mentor, who will offer you not only Academic Guidance, but advice on finding and accessing help with personal issues. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad. To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages.

International summer programmes are open to students from all colleges. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Additional Information

All of our Biosciences courses have modules that involve a field course. Swansea  University is an ideal place to study Biosciences as we have outstanding locations on our doorstep for biology, zoology and marine biology. We make the best of our locality by visiting the coastal Gower peninsula, travelling on our boat, the R.V Mary Anning, around Swansea Bay and researching the beautiful flora and fauna both on land and at sea in South Wales.

Further afield, past field course destinations have included Puerto Rico, Borneo, and Sikkim in the Indian Himalayas. These trips of a lifetime are a great way to learn about other environments and also to bond and work collaboratively with your fellow students and lecturers.

Bsc Zoology with a year abroad

As part of this degree scheme, you will be able to study at one of our huge range of partner universities in your third year. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to experience another culture, make friends from around the world and gain valuable experience to prepare you for the world of work after you complete your studies. 

Places and availability change annually so specific destinations can’t be guaranteed, but previously Biosciences students have completed their year abroad in Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Spain and the USA.

Not only do we match you with a partner university, and offer you support in all stages of the process, we also offer a range of dedicated bursaries and grants to help you fund your international experience. Find out more at our Go Global pages (www.swansea.ac.uk/goglobal)

Bsc Zoology with a year in industry

Your year spent in industry will offer an enriching real-world experience, locally or overseas, giving a competitive advantage when it comes to seeking employment. As a Biosciences student, you will already have a wide skill set which you will widen further during your placement year. 

Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with a number of organisations who provide a range of placement opportunities. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of your studies you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.

The Year in Industry attracts a course fee of 20% of a standard academic year.

Zoology, BSc (Hons)

Zoology with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Zoology with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)

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