Zoology (Integrated Masters), BSc, University of Leeds

Course content

Year one is a fantastic introduction to Zoology, familiarising you with everything from genetics and whole organism biology to ecology. Not only will you begin field work right from your first year, but you will also carry out short research projects during your first year, giving you the chance to get immersed into the world of scientific research right from the beginning.

In year two you will begin to specialise in the core topics of Zoology, including animal behaviour and animal physiology. Whilst continuing to develop your laboratory skills and zoological understanding, you will also have the chance, at the end of the year, to undertake a year in industry or a study year abroad, a great opportunity to broaden your skills and experiences.

Year three of the MBiol will help prepare you for the step up to Masters of year four, through literature review projects and preparation modules, undertaken alongside other compulsory and optional modules.

Year 4 will offers an optional field course to Africa. The African field course is based at Mpala Research Centre, Laikipia, Kenya. It provides a first-hand appreciation of the ecology and conservation concerns of an African savannah community, both for the wildlife and the people who live in the area.

In year four you will not only study Masters level modules in topics such as conservation genetics, but you will also undertake an extended research project, working alongside professional researchers in a unique and thriving research environment.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA

  Including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, science in society, statistics, use of mathematics.

  Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

  GCSE: Typically Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

  • Career opportunities

    Number 1 for employability - the Faculty of Biological Sciences is ranked highest for employability amongst Russell Group universities. Higher than Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Kings College, Liverpool, Manchester, York.

    Past graduates have progressed to further zoological study in academia or in research institutes, discipline-related posts in industry, conservation, (in the UK and overseas) or the media, as well as successful careers in areas such as law and business.

    Careers support

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the fourth year of the MBiol studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

    We have a dedicated Employability Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who works closely with the University's Careers Centre. We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. We also organise regular careers workshops designed specifically for sport sciences students to develop their career opportunities. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

  • Field courses

    One of the most exciting aspects of our degrees is the range of opportunities for fieldwork on offer. Field courses offer valuable opportunities to apply your knowledge and practical research skills outside of the lab, so we offer at least the option of a field course in every year.

    Year 1: Coastal and Uplands Habitats, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
    This compulsory course takes place over the summer after your end of year exams and gives you a first taste of field research in a group setting. You'll get a taste of Yorkshire's natural history and be exposed to a wide range of natural systems: moorland plants and birds, intertidal invertebrates, freshwater fish and insects and sea bird colonies.
    Year 2: Marine Zoology Field Course, Dale Fort, Pembrokeshire
    The field study to Dale Fort is in September at the beginning of level 2, immediately after the summer break. The course is compulsory for students who are studying Zoology. Studies at Dale Fort mainly focus on marine biology, including rockpool studies and invertebrate studies. The bryozoan that the students are inspecting in the picture above is an example of the types of invertebrates that are found at Dale Fort. In addition, the field course provides a great location for continuing experimental developmental biology.
    Year 2: Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour, Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales An optional course which runs after the summer exams, this course will expand on the training you've gained in your first two years of study. You'll choose from projects on a wide range of topics in behaviour and ecology including bat behaviours, bird song and habitat preferences of small mammals. If you're feeling brave you could also take part in a caving trip - and there's our infamous treasure hunt and pub quiz.
    Year 2: Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
    Usually involves a trip to the Iberian Peninsula, this course allows you to explore issues surrounding biodiversity conservation across Europe, including the challenges of growing human populations and habitat restoration. You'll work in groups of two or three to conduct independent research projects. Recently these have included social interactions between macaque troops, the effects of feather parasites on bird performance and thermoregulation in lizards.
    Year 3: African Ecology Field Course, South Africa
    This optional course takes place in The Great Fish River Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. You'll take part in group projects collecting data and samples and analysing them, with help from both Leeds lecturers and demonstrators and staff from nearby Rhodes University. Past projects have included the diet of the black rhino, small mammal diversity and distribution and kudu-vegetation interactions.
    MBiol: Mpala Research Centre, Kenya Field Course
    You'll have the chance to study a wide range of species in Kenya's Laikipia County. Visit MPala Live! to see 24-hour views of hippos, elephants and other species and see where you could be conducting your research.

  • Related courses

    Biology MBiol, BSc
    Biology with Enterprise MBiol, BSc
    Ecology and Conservation Biology MBiol, BSc
    Zoology MBiol, BSc