The study of zoology is an exploration of how animals have evolved, how they function, and the ways in which they interact with their environment. The subject integrates anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, evolution, and conservation to provide a comprehensive understanding of species structure and diversity. Humans have created a rapidly-changing world to which animals have had to adapt. Understanding the amazing diversity of animals that share our planet helps us to understand our origins, as well as predict future evolution.
The MBio Zoology degree at Lincoln is an exploration of how animals have evolved, how they function, and the ways in which they interact with their environment. The course integrates anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, evolution, and conservation to provide a comprehensive understanding of species structure and diversity.
Students can participate in a residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals in the wild. For UK based field trips the University will cover costs of transport, accommodation and meals at the field site. There is also an optional Overseas Field Course module in the third year.
The MBio programme includes an additional research-intensive year, with modules to develop key transferable skills relevant to further research and employment opportunities.
Subject ranked 3rd overall in the UK*
Optional overseas field trip to locations around the world
Optional study abroad year
Taught by experienced research-active staff
Fully-funded residential field trip in the UK
Available with a Science Foundation Year
*Guardian University Guide 2025 (out of 26 ranking institutions)
This degree aims to provide a broad understanding of the subject, encompassing the study of key aspects of modern zoology in a diverse range of invertebrates and vertebrates. Students have opportunities to study animals in their natural habitat at key points during their studies. As students study, they will have the chance to develop skills in scientific methods and communication.
In the first year, students have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of biological concepts, including genetics, evolution, ecology, anatomy, and physiology.
During the second year, more specialist modules cover vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, reproduction and development, and plant-animal interactions. Students can choose from a selection of optional modules to align their studies with areas of particular interest.
There is an emphasis on independent research in the third year and students will be expected to undertake a substantial research project, as well as modules that aim to develop critical scientific skills.
Final year modules focus on developing research skills further with workshops in research techniques. These combine demonstrations with hands-on work in-lab or in-field. Students will also be expected to undertake a Master's level research project. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in different contexts, different formats, and to different recipients.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
An optional year abroad is available for full-time students between the second and third years. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
There is an optional overseas field trip in the third year. This will provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
Optional field trips may incur additional costs, including flights. Students may also be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet.
Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what you choose to bring.
Alongside a fully funded residential field trip in the UK, students on this course can take part in an optional overseas field trip in the third year.
Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
On each trip students are introduced to local flora and fauna, present a group project, and complete an identification test of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
I have had the chance to experience things that most people never will. The staff are very passionate about their work and about passing on their knowledge.
Charlotte Winspear
MBio Zoology graduate
Career opportunities for Zoology graduates may include teaching, environmental consultancy, conservation, and science journalism. Graduates may choose to continue their studies at doctoral level and pursue a career in research.
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications to include 40 points from Biology.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management or Applied Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied).
BTEC Diploma Applied Science acceptable with other qualifications. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (admissions@lincoln.ac.uk).
T Level in Science: Merit.
(Health or Health Science not accepted).
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include a Higher Level 5 in Biology.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
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If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Ibrahim Sawal graduated in 2018 with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology. He stayed on in Lincoln to study an MA in Journalism (Science and Environment), and he was able to secure an internship at New Scientist. Now a member of the New Scientist journalist team, Ibrahim regularly contributes articles to the printed magazine and online.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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