Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science BSc

Course overview

Zoology is the study of animals at all levels, from their molecular basis up to the way they interact with their ecosystems.

With this intercalated course, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of zoological science and research. It will give you the opportunity to explore a wide range of animals, how they came to be and how they function, through genetics, evolution, animal behaviour and conservation science, and a range of related disciplines.

You can choose to study animals, including humans, from a broad perspective. This may include sociality and eusociality, development, behaviour, nutrition and sustainable agriculture and wildlife conservation. During your Biology Research Project, you'll be encouraged to design and analyse your own scientific study, which will equip you with numerous transferable skills.

This course will give you a strong grounding in the essentials of zoology, providing a broader perspective of life on Earth and our place within it.

Why study at Leeds

• Choose from a wide range of module options covering topics from genetics, through animal production to landscape ecology.
• Access to a wide range of natural landscapes for your research project: the diverse Yorkshire coastline, the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Peak District are all within easy reach.
• Excellent links with a range of relevant partners, including zoos, wild animal parks, nature reserve managers and research institutes.

Course details and modules

All students undertake a compulsory 40-credit Biology Research Project. You can also choose four to six modules from the list of optional modules.

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read the Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science BSc course catalogue entry.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Biology Research Project

A wide range of research topics are available, such as parasite-host interactions, animal development, animal nutrition, sustainable livestock production, conservation ecology and animal behaviour. These projects are an important way for you to learn about independent scientific research and develop relevant skills for future employment. The data from some of our best projects have been used in scientific publications, with students involved in authorship.

Recent examples include:

• Biosecurity to slow the spread of invasive species
• The effect of parasitic infection on animal behaviour
• Foraging behaviour of gannets
• Diseases of marine mammals
• Functional diversity of coral reef fishes
• Insect sperm competition
• The role of the Major Histocompatibility Complex in human mate choice
• Animal welfare in pig production
• The exotic pet trade and the sale of endangered species

Field courses

Students completing the BSc Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science have the option of taking our field course in South African ecology. This will cover biodiversity in a range of South African habitats and will provide key experience in field research techniques, species identification, and conservation strategies.

Learning and teaching

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, and may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Teaching will be through lectures, practical classes, seminars, small-group teaching, and a research project. Assessment is similarly varied, including in-course assessment (formative and summative), practical reports and written examinations. The in-course assessment exercises include tests of practical skills, essay writing, data manipulation and problem solving. The research project will be assessed throughout the project and on the final written report. Degree classification will be based upon the marks obtained in each of the component modules, with the appropriate credit weighting applied.

Entry requirements

Other course specific tests:

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790 and £10,050 for students starting in 2027/28.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Read about applying for intercalation on the School of Medicine website.

Please note:

In addition to the application form, you will be required to write a statement on why you wish to study the subject. The personal statement should demonstrate interest and enthusiasm in zoological science.

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

The course is designed to give you a challenging, yet enjoyable and rewarding year that will significantly enhance your skills and knowledge, enhancing your career opportunities on graduation.

The course allows full integration with existing science-based BSc courses and includes delivery of a substantive research project.

In addition to providing subject-specific knowledge, we equip you with the best possible skills for future careers. There is a strong emphasis on practical-based teaching, small-group teaching, online learning, and problem-solving. You’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. You’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your intercalating year.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources –including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events – we run a full range of events, including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries, all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system – on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants – gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds – there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.