Zoology

As well as working as a zoologist, your in-depth knowledge of animal sciences and lab and field work equips you for a career in the environmental, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Academic researcher
• Animal nutritionist
• Ecologist
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental education officer
• Higher education lecturer
• Marine scientist
• Nature conservation officer
• Science writer
• Zookeeper
• Zoologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful:

• Animal physiotherapist
• Environmental manager
• Field trials officer
• Marine biologist
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Toxicologist
• Veterinary nurse
• Veterinary surgeon

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Some university courses include work placements either in the UK or abroad as part of a four-year sandwich degree. There are also opportunities to take part in field and practical work as part of your course, for example lab work, day trips or residential field courses.

You can also get experience, skills and contacts through carrying out voluntary work. Opportunities can often be found with animal welfare groups, zoos, wildlife parks and conservation projects. The skills gained from work experience and extra-curricular activities can greatly enhance your chances of finding a job on graduation.

It's important to get experience in any area you're seeking a career in, and the more relevant the better. You can do this through involvement with university societies and other university groups and opportunities, paid opportunities or volunteer work. These experiences can often be combined with your current study by working in the evenings, on weekends or by pursuing opportunities during the summer holidays.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

Jobs are available with a range of organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Typical employers include:

• zoos or wildlife parks and environmental protection agencies
• government agencies and research institutions
• medical research establishments and the National Health Service (NHS)
• environmental and animal charities
• schools, colleges, science centres, libraries and museums
• universities and research institutes
• environmental consultancies
• chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum companies
• aquaculture and animal nutrition companies.

Find information on employers in environment and agriculture, science and pharmaceuticals and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Studying zoology provides you with in-depth knowledge in areas such as ethology (the science of animal behaviour), animal biology, physiology, animal evolution and diversity, species conservation and ecology.

You develop practical experience of modern laboratory and field research techniques, as well as an understanding of ethical working practices.

You also gain a strong set of transferable skills, including:

• analytical skills - to understand, interpret and manipulate complex scientific data and statistics
• research and observation skills
• data-handling skills - to collect, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques and equipment
• written communication skills - to produce reports and write up research projects
• presentation and oral communication skills - to present research findings and make presentations in a clear, succinct way
• project management skills - organising and undertaking research projects and experiments (including budgeting, contingency planning and time management)
• a good understanding of information technology and specific technical skills such as GIS and genetic techniques
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Further study

Some zoology graduates choose to undertake postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level in order to specialise in a particular area of interest within their discipline, for example wildlife conservation and biology, animal biology, ecology and environmental sustainability, and ecology and management of the natural environment.

Others choose to do further study in a different area entirely. Many postgraduate courses are open to graduates with a degree in any subject.

You may also choose to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Scotland, in preparation for a career teaching biology or general science.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in zoology.

What do zoology graduates do?

One in ten (11%) zoology graduates are employed in animal care service occupations. 

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.