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Zoology MBiol

UCAS code: C303 | Full-time | 4 years

Entry requirements

View entry requirements

International fees:

£27,200 per year

Starts on:

This course is no longer in Clearing. View courses for 2025 entry.
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Clearing 2024: find your place at Liverpool

We may have limited places for entry in 2024 for high achieving applicants.

About this course

A Zoology degree can provide you with the knowledge and training not only for a job working as a zoologist but also equips you for a career in the environmental, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.

Introduction

The Master of Zoology (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Zoology and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.

In the first three years, you’ll study a broad range of modules including animal behaviour, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, and animal physiology with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.

The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification.  Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.

What you'll learn

  • Develop field skills in zoologically rich locations in a wide range of habitats
  • Learn about the ecology of populations and the diversity of ecosystems
  • Understand the evolution of behavioural patterns and their contribution to survival, success, and fitness
  • Understand current approaches to conservation and the management of species and ecosystems
  • Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
  • Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
  • Work independently and collaboratively
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Use lab equipment correctly and safely
  • Plan, initiate, and carry out projects
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Entry requirements

A levels

BBC including B in Biology and grade B in a second acceptable science.

Pass required in science practicals. Acceptable second sciences: Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Geology, Applied Science and Environmental Science. General Studies is not accepted.

International Baccalaureate

28 points overall including 5 in HL Biology, 5 in HL second science and 5 in SL English or 4 in HL English plus 5 in SL Maths/Maths Studies or 4 in HL Maths/Maths Studies

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

DDM Applied Science pathway only. Distinctions in each of Principles and Applications of Science I & II required.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Grade C, plus BB in Biology and a second science at A level. Pass required in science practicals. Acceptable second sciences: Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Geology, Applied Science and Environmental Science. General Studies is not accepted.

Access

27 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 18 level 3 credits at Merit in a relevant Access Diploma. Biology and Chemistry credits at Distinction required.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

443 from 2 electives (including 4 in Biology and science subject) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 70% from four core subjects including 75% in Biology and second science, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths.

English language requirements

If you’re an international applicant, you’ll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

Please see the full course information for details of the language tests and qualifications we'll accept as evidence of your English language ability for this course.

View the English language requirements for this course

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Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.

COMPULSORY MODULES

  • Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
  • Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
  • Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
  • From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
  • Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
  • Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two

In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of zoology. You will study animal behaviour and physiology, and explore the relationship between hosts and parasites. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in animal husbandry or marine ecology.

COMPULSORY MODULES

  • Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
  • Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
  • Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
  • Animal Behaviour BIOS207
  • Practical Skills in Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour BIOS208
  • Parasites, Pathogens and Hosts BIOS211
  • Animal Ecophysiology BIOS222

OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)

  • Animal Anatomy, Physiology & Husbandry BIOS220
  • Marine Ecophysiology, Ecology and Exploitation ENVS251
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three

Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of zoological research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. You will also develop advanced field skills and you will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.

COMPULSORY MODULES

  • Research Project BIOS301
  • Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
  • Research Methods BIOS303
  • Applied Conservation Biology BIOS318
  • Advanced Ecology for a Sustainable Future BIOS325
  • Advanced Topics in Evolutionary Biology BIOS327
  • Zoology Field Course BIOS333
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year four

The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the internship with other modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.

COMPULSORY MODULES

  • Research Project LIFE700
  • Research Methods and Application LIFE731

OPTIONAL MODULES (Choose one)

  • Advanced Statistics for Biological Research LIFE707
  • Informatics for Life Sciences LIFE721
  • Informatics for Life Sciences (Off campus) LIFE621

OPTIONAL MODULES (Students choose either the research internship, or two of the remaining modules)

  • Research Internship LIFE701
  • Evolution and Behaviour LIFE709
  • Coding for Life Sciences LIFE733
  • Cellular Biotechnology and Biological Imaging LIFE749
  • Emerging Infections and Pandemic LIFE751
  • Computational Biology LIFE752
  • Proteomics, Metabolomics and Data Analysis LIFE754
  • Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology LIFE756
  • Analysing Climate processes and variability ENVS475
  • Advanced Conservation Biology ENVS423
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, field work, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.

How you're assessed

Assessed work including essays, presentations, group work, qualitative and experimental reports together with examination results from years one, two, three contributing to your final degree classification.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

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Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200
Year abroad fee £13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

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Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Costs associated with placements/internships
Students in Biosciences who have chosen international placements/internships will need to pay for their visa (if applicable), travel, accommodation, and meals.

There may also be costs associated with travel to interviews for placements/internships. These will vary, and some other extra costs may also be incurred. If students are spending a full year in industry, their employers may pay transport costs. School and University bursaries may be available to help with the cost of these opportunities.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Tropical ecology field course
Students who elect to take the optional tropical ecology field course in Uganda are required to make a financial contribution that covers their own costs (travel, meals, visa, accommodation, and entry to national parks). In 2020-21, the student contribution was £1,500. A limited number of funded places are available.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

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Last updated 15 August 2024 / Programme terms and conditions