BSc Zoology with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) Zoology with Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate degree centred on animal biology, ecology, and wildlife conservation. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Project Management, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme begins with a foundation year focused on essential academic and scientific skills before advancing into core undergraduate study. The first year covers foundational principles through Essential University Skills 1, Essential Biology, Scientific Investigation, Essential University Skills 2, Essential Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. The second year examines animal groups and ecological practices through Vertebrate Zoology, Invertebrate Zoology, Ecology for Zoologists, Animal Form and Function, Animal Conservation Practice, and Core Zoology. The third year builds research and fieldwork capabilities via Exploring Research, Zoological Monitoring Techniques, Animal Behaviour, Evolution and Biogeography, British Wildlife, and Applied Zoology. The final year includes an independent Dissertation and Professional Skills in Zoology, alongside compulsory Behavioural Ecology and optional choices covering Entomology and Parasitology, Behavioural Applications for Conservation, and Population and Community Ecology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
48 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table . GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade 4/C or above. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted. A full list of acceptable level 2 qualifications can be found here: Level 2 Acceptable Entry Requirements . GCSEs: English, Maths and Science at C/4 or above. A-levels: A - must have studied Biology or Applied Science at level 3. T-levels: P (D or E) All subjects are accepted for entry to this course. Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass – Science based. Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points. Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points. Other experience: City & Guilds in Animal Management. Selection criteria: As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Zoology. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained. The Integrated Foundation Year programme supports your return to education and are specifically designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills or experiences to join the degree in Year 1
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 82%
- Organisation and management: 43%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 8%
- North West: 46%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 2%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Essential University Skills 1
- Essential Biology
- Scientific Investigation
- Essential University Skills 2
- Essential Chemistry
- Environmental Sciences
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Ecology for Zoologists
- Animal Form and Function
- Animal Conservation Practice
- Core Zoology
- Exploring Research
- Zoological Monitoring Techniques
- Animal Behaviour
- Evolution and Biogeography
- British Wildlife
- Applied Zoology
- Dissertation
- Professional Skills in Zoology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Entomology and Parasitology
- Behavioural Applications for Conservation
- Population and Community Ecology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £31,500. The £26,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Zoology.
What do graduates of BSc Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
The average entrant had 114 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.