BSc (Hons) - Zoology (with Sandwich Year)

How you will learn

As a student at the University of Cumbria, you will be part of an inclusive learning community that recognises diversity. You will have opportunities to learn by interacting with others studying Science, Natural Resources and Outdoor Studies.

We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learning, whether that's in the classroom or out in the field, on placement, or in the workplace. Facilitated by our expert practitioner staff, you will experience a learning environment that is well equipped, flexible, and stimulating.

On the BSc (Hons) Zoology course, tutors aim to deliver enriching, enjoyable, and sometimes challenging lessons.

From your first week, you will be exposed to animals in the wild. Practical learning will be enhanced by the local environment and students are encouraged to explore suggested sites outside of class. You will collaborate will local experts to develop general skills through the exploration of key sites and a wide range of talks. We highly recommend joining the Carlisle Natural History Society.

Fieldwork will be supplemented by lab/classroom sessions aimed to give you industry-standard identification skills. Combined with the knowledge of how animals work and how to study/monitor them, you will get two opportunities to combine them in your own research efforts.

The Applied Field Studies module includes an option for you to travel to a radically different environment, typically West Africa. Here, you will spend a few days becoming familiar with the local wildlife and get a chance to study a species of your choice in more detail.

Previous students have studied endangered monkeys, reptiles, sharks, genets, and tropical forest birds. The experience gained on this module will prepare you for your final year dissertation, which could focus on any of the wide range of species occurring close to the university or you could spend the summer collecting data on a species elsewhere.

How you will be assessed

Assessments are arranged to avoid overwhelming students. Throughout your course, you may apply your knowledge through exams, lab reports, critical analysis, presentations, and group work.

These assessments have been designed to match closely with employability needs. Analysis of zoological data, writing of formal reports and careful design of scientific methods particularly with regards to animal surveying are all key transferable skills, which translate into a range of careers in biological sciences.

Formal work is assessed throughout the degree, and you are encouraged to keep lab books that contain working documents of lab practicals, observations, and illustrations of dissection work for example.

Personal development and reflective practice will take place throughout the programme and will be implemented through a wide range of activities (both formative and summative) as well as via the personal tutorial process

Tuition Fees

2020 - 2021

• £9,250 - UK
• £12,800 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some textbooks. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course