Features: Zoology: What's on offer

Finding out more about our planet and the animals we share it with is key to our survival as human beings. A qualification in zoology can open up a range of job opportunities and leave students with a portfolio of employable skills

Postgraduate zoology courses offer you the chance to study across an expanse of disciplines, both theoretically and practically, something which Dr Michael Steinke, course leader for the MSc Marine Biology at the University of Essex, explains. 'Teaching can range from molecular and cellular studies through to the level of populations, ecosystems or the earth system.

'In particular, we offer diving-based research in Indo-Pacific coral reefs as part of our optional modules or for conducting a summer research project.'

Study options

There are approximately 35 institutions offering various zoological courses around the UK. Programmes range from marine biology to wildlife management and conservation.

Dr Mark Briffa is the programme leader of Plymouth University's MRes Marine Biology. 'Marine biology is an extraordinarily broad discipline, reflecting the range of marine ecosystems and vast diversity of marine organisms. The subject also reflects the diverse range of questions that interest marine biologists. These questions are often addressed using cutting-edge technology such as satellite tagging, advanced behavioural recording or molecular techniques.'

Students taking the course study two pathways during the first semester: cellular and molecular and ecology and conservation. In semesters two and three, students then take part in an extensive research project in collaboration with the Marine Biological Association (MBA).

'The MRes at Plymouth is intended to reflect the breadth and excitement of marine biology through its close links with the diverse research pursuits of a range of leading scientists in one of the world's foremost locations for marine studies,' Dr Briffa adds. 'Projects frequently contribute to peer-reviewed publications, so there is also the chance to gain authorship of a scientific paper.'

Career paths

A degree in zoology can open the door to an array of employment options both inside and outside the field, as many of the skills you learn through study can be applied to most career areas.

There are opportunities to gain employment within colleges and universities, government research institutions, private sector roles in agriculture, fisheries or biotechnology and even positions in broadcast and print media.

Dr Steinke says his graduates have found employment all over the world. 'Some of our former students are now working as environmental consultants in Dubai and Norway, or as programme coordinators for conservation organisations such as the Zoological Society of London. Studying the MSc Marine Biology at Essex helps our students go on to pursue a career in marine sciences by providing ample networking opportunities with various conservation organisations and aquaculture facilities in East Anglia and overseas.'