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

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.

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.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

Learn Chinese
Study in a bustling world heritage city
Improve employment prospects
Study Chinese culture
30 minutes from Shanghai
Learn new skills

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Inspire your future career or studies
Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
More likely to earn higher salary
More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

With more than £30 million invested into our of the art teaching facilities and resources, your studies are fully supported. You can shape your studies by choosing a diverse range of modules from across the range of Biosciences subjects for a career in the environmental, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.

Explore where you'll study

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

An exciting place for postgraduate study

Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
Access to world-class facilities
Provide specialist training with taught and research components
Options for intercalating students
Vibrant postgraduate community.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

Careers and employability

Employability is embedded into the Zoology MBiolSci programme and can be the necessary stepping stone into a successful career in many sectors such as government agencies, animal charities and welfare groups, wildlife parks and conservation projects. Alternatively you may choose to opt to study for a PhD in Veterinary Science.

Recent employers include:

AstraZeneca
BBC
Chester Zoo
Home Affairs and Security
Royal Society of Biology
The Environment Agency

4 in 5 biosciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

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

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. 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.

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 that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification	Details
A levels	ABB including Biology and a second science, preferably Chemistry. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.
T levels	Health and Science (Science pathway) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include B in the core. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.
GCSE	4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements	Also accepted as a second science: Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Geology and Applied Science. For applicants from England, where A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics have been taken, we will also require a pass in the Practical Endorsement
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	DDD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 and 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II). For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification: DDD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.
BTEC Applied Science unit requirements	View the BTEC Applied Science unit requirements.
International Baccalaureate	33 points including 6 in Higher Level Biology and 5 in Higher Level Chemistry (or second science).
Irish Leaving Certificate	H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including grade H2 in both of High level Biology and second science.
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	Accepted at grade B as equivalent to a third non-science A level at grade B.
Access	45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Biology and Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics and English grade C also required.
International qualifications	If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

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.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT	88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test	125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 95.
Pearson PTE Academic	61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic	70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500	Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990	Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511	0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991	0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced	176 overall, with no paper below 162
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score	Pre-sessional English course length	On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5	6 weeks	On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5	10 weeks	On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0	12 weeks	On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5	20 weeks	On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5	30 weeks	On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0	40 weeks	On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Chat with us Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 23 April 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions