Zoology - Subject Guide

The diversity of the natural world is reflected in the diversity of specialisations within the field of Zoology. Developing a specialism while studying can lead to enhanced career opportunities later in life, which is very handy indeed. Some specialisms include: 

• Animal behaviour: Animal behaviour studies the actions and interactions of animals in their natural environment. It explores animal communication and social organisation, shedding light on the evolutionary and ecological factors shaping animal behaviour. 

• Ecology: Ecology examines the relationships between organisms and their environment. It investigates the distribution of living organisms, as well as the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Ecology plays a crucial role in understanding environmental issues and conservation challenges. 

• Evolutionary biology: Evolutionary biology looks into the processes that drive genetic variation and change over time in living creatures. It investigates mechanisms such as natural selection, genetics, and adaptability, examining evolutionary diversification across species and entire populations. 

• Marine biology: Marine biology focuses on the study of marine animals and environments. Marine biologists play a vital role in conservation, sustainable management, and understanding the impacts of human activities on marine environments. 

• Wildlife management: The conservation and sustainable use of wildlife populations and habitats is one of the key factors in global conservation efforts. Wildlife managers work to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with human interests, promoting biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. 

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• Animal physiology 

• Evolutionary biology 

• Ecology 

• Conservation biology 

• Genetics 

• Animal behaviour 

• Cell biology  

• Marine biology 

• Wildlife management 

• Zoological research methods 

You’ll learn all about the amazing world of animals, their habitats, behaviours, interaction, and how we can best protect them from human interference and activities. Studying zoology at university involves lectures and workshops, alongside significant fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and research projects. 

You’ll learn quantitative methods like surveying, graph reading, and data analysis so that you can put individual observations into context. You’ll also learn how to work under lab conditions and write reports of your findings in scientific language, as well as being able to present your reports.   

Plus, you’ll learn a wide range of transferable skills, including: 

• Data management  

• Research  

• Report writing  

• Presentation skills 

• Communication 

In the United Kingdom, zoology programs may be accredited by professional bodies such as the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Accreditation ensures that academic programs meet the standards required for professional practice. The degree may include registration as an ASAB Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). 

If you’re considering a career in the study of wildlife and conservation, there are several other degree options besides zoology which may be worth exploring. These include: 

• Ecology and conservation  

• Environmental science 

• Marine biology 

• Veterinary medicine 

• Genetics 

• Botanical science 

Zoology graduates have loads of options for careers in understanding and protecting the natural world. With the skills learned during a degree, you’ll have opportunities in research, conservation, education, and wildlife management, with options to work in the UK or just about anywhere in the world. 

You could apply your degree to a job in academia, government agencies, non-profit organisations, or zoological parks, working within a team of professionals including veterinarians, researchers, land managers, urban planners, documentary film makers and many more. 

Jobs available to zoology graduates include: 

• Zoologist 

• Wildlife biologist 

• Conservationist 

• Environmental consultant 

• Science educator 

• Animal behaviourist 

• Marine biologist 

• Zookeeper 

• Animal heath inspector 

• Biological researcher 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You will find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in zoology, or a related subject. 

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