Zoology

This degree prepares you for roles in zoology, animal science and industries that rely on expertise in biodiversity, conservation and environmental awareness

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Academic researcher
• Animal nutritionist
• Ecologist
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental education officer
• Marine biologist
• Higher education lecturer
• Marine scientist
• Nature conservation officer
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Science writer
• Zookeeper
• Zoologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful:

• Animal physiotherapist
• Animal technician
• Environmental manager
• Field trials officer
• Fisheries officer
• Palaeontologist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Sustainability consultant
• Toxicologist
• Veterinary nurse
• Veterinary surgeon

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Having relevant experience on your CV is valuable, as it allows you to demonstrate your skills when applying for jobs. Some degrees include a work placement in the UK or abroad, lasting anywhere from two weeks to a year, which can also help you build professional contacts. If your course doesn’t offer a placement, you may still gain practical experience through elements embedded into your degree, such as laboratory work or residential field courses.

Other ways to gain experience and develop relationships with potential employers include undertaking voluntary work with animal welfare groups, zoos, wildlife parks and conservation projects. Relevant organisations include:

• ZSL (Zoological Society of London)
• The Wildlife Trusts
• WWF

You can also get involved with university societies, groups and schemes and other volunteer or paid opportunities around your studies, during term time or holidays.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

You can find a job in a range of organisations depending on your area of interest. Typical employers of zoology graduates include:

• zoos or wildlife parks and environmental protection agencies
• animal and environmental charities
• aquaculture and animal nutrition companies
• government agencies and research institutions
• conservation and sustainable resource management organisations
• medical research establishments and the health service
• schools, colleges, science centres, libraries and museums
• universities and research institutes
• environmental consultancies
• chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum companies.

Find information on employers in environment and agriculture, science and pharmaceuticals and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Studying zoology provides you with in-depth knowledge in areas such as ethology (the science of animal behaviour), animal biology, physiology, animal evolution and diversity, species conservation and ecology.

You develop practical experience of modern laboratory and field research techniques, as well as an understanding of ethical working practices and an awareness of current government policy in conservationist areas.

You also gain a strong set of transferable skills, including:

• analytical skills - through interpreting and manipulating complex scientific data and statistics
• research and observation skills
• data-handling skills - from collecting, recording, collating and analysing data using appropriate techniques and equipment
• written communication skills - through producing reports and writing up research projects
• presentation and oral communication skills - from presenting research findings and making presentations in a clear, succinct way
• project management skills - by organising and undertaking research projects and experiments (including budgeting, contingency planning and time management)
• a good understanding of information technology and specific technical skills such as GIS and genetic techniques
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Further study

After your zoology degree, you may choose to complete a Masters or PhD in order to specialise in a particular area of interest, for example:

• wildlife conservation and biology
• animal biology
• ecology and environmental sustainability
• ecology and management of the natural environment.

It's also possible to do further study in a different area entirely. Many postgraduate courses are open to graduates with a degree in any subject so you can take your career in a different direction if you wish.

You may also choose to study for a postgraduate teaching qualification in preparation for a career teaching biology or general science.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in zoology.

What do zoology graduates do?

10% of zoology graduates are employed in animal care services occupations 15 months after graduation. Conservation professionals (7%), biological scientists (6%), laboratory technicians (3%), agricultural and fishing trades (3%) are also among the top ten jobs reported.

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.