Zoology with Foundation Year

Why study Zoology at Liverpool John Moores University?

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology

• LJMU ranked 18th in the UK for Zoology (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

• Optional residential fieldwork (self-funded) at level 5 (possible destination Cairngorms National Park, Scotland) and Level 6 (Doñana National Park, Spain)

• Option to undertake a 4-6 week placement and/or a 12-month sandwich placement in the UK or overseas

• Easy access to local zoos and diverse habitat sites

• Excellent prospects in a range of animal-related careers, including veterinary-related science, animal training, ecological consultancy, animal welfare and conservation

• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more

• 95% of students surveyed said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)

About your course
The professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Zoology at Liverpool John Moores University offers you exciting opportunities to complete work placements and field trips both in the UK and overseas.

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, both living and extinct. It encompasses all aspects of biology, from biochemistry and cell biology to ecology and behaviour, and examines animals in the context of their evolution and their environment, allowing you to specialise in your own areas of interest via placements, projects and modules in levels 5 and 6.

Practical hands-on experience is an important aspect of the course and we have a wealth of local facilities and fieldwork sites on our doorstep. These include three major zoological collections (Chester Zoo, Knowsley Safari Park and the Blue Planet Aquarium), as well as the diverse habitat sites of the North Wales and Lancashire coasts and inland ecosystems in Snowdonia and the Lake District.

One of the real bonuses of this course is the opportunity for residential fieldwork at Level 4 (core), Level 5 (optional) and Level 6 (optional). At Level 6 this is normally overseas and the possible destination is the Doñana National Park, Spain where you can learn ecological and behavioural field work skills. These are in addition to further extended fieldwork opportunities through work placements of 4-6 weeks and/or a 12-month sandwich placement with a relevant organisation in the UK or overseas.

About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Zoology honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).