Zoology is one of the primary branches of biology study. This scientific study of animals helps us understand the natural world, and organisms that populate it. As our understanding of species grows, the field of zoology become broader and more subdivided.
For personalised support in your zoology studies, you might consider a dedicated biology tutor to help clarify complex topics.
Today, with ecosystems at risk everywhere, there's never been a more urgent need to understand the animal kingdom. Universities around the world are developing research and teaching facilities to train the next generation of animal scientists. To help you choose your course, Superprof presents the top universities for zoology in the UK.
Best Universities for Zoology in UK
- #1: University of Cambridge
- #2: University of Oxford
- #3: University College London
- #4: Imperial College London
- #5: University of Edinburgh
University of Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the UK's oldest schools. It boasts a long list of famous alumni, including the pioneer of evolutionary biology.
Charles Darwin spent three years studying natural science at Cambridge's Christ College. Logically, his alma mater must top the list for best zoology universities UK.
Additionally, if you wish to explore more academic support, comprehensive biology tuition options are available across the UK.
Ranked: #1 in the UK, #1 in Europe, #6 in the world for Zoology studies
Programme duration: 3 years
Standard entry offer: A*A*A Maths A-Level required, A-Level Biology is helpful.
Tuition: £9 535 (2025/26 study year) financial aid available
You will spend your first two years studying various biology subjects. During your first year, you must undertake a mathematics course, and three biology courses. Your second year, you only need three biology subjects.
You have a list of 20 courses to choose from. However, some position you better for zoology studies. For your first year, Cambridge recommends these selections:
Plan A
- Mathematical Biology
- Biology of Cells
- Evolution and Behaviour
- Physiology of Organisms
Plan B
- Mathematical Biology
- Biology of Cells
- Physiology of Organisms
- Chemistry
Plan C
- Mathematical Biology
- Physiology of Organisms
- Evolution and Behaviour
- Earth Sciences
Your third year, you'll study zoology exclusively. It will be a year filled with research projects, in the lab or the field.
You also have the option to transition into Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Zoology) studies in your third year. Other benefits of studying Zoology at Cambridge include:
University of Oxford
This university owns the 4km2 Wytham Woods, which lies in the northwest part of Oxford. This site is dedicated to climate change and zoology research.
So, it's no wonder that the University of Oxford is the best university for zoology UK. Or close to it.
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Ranked: #2 in the UK, #2 in Europe, #8 in the world for Zoology studies
Programme duration: 3 years, with an optional 4th available
Tuition: £9 535 (2025/26 study year); financial aid available.
Entry into Oxford is extremely competitive, and its standard entry requirements are high:
- Grades: A*AA (The A* must be in a science or Maths)
- A-Level Biology is required
- Additional subjects: one each of Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics
Oxford's Biology BSc does not specifically offer zoology studies, despite being one of the best universities for zoology UK. Instead, you'll explore a range of biology topics. The subjects break down as follows (bold indicates the best subjects for zoology studies).
Year 1
introduction to biology themes
- Diversity of Life
- Building a Phenotype
- Ecology and Evolution
Year 2
more specialised subjects
- Cell Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Organisms Behaviour and Physiology
- Genomic and Host-microbe Interactions
Year 3
advanced studies
- Cell Biology
- Animal Behaviour and Physiology
- Genome Diversity and Evolution
- Evolution and Development and more
You'll also discover these features:
Oxford University launched its updated Biology programme in 2019.
For that reason, the school can only report on one graduating class' prospects. It states that around 40% of that cohort pursued graduate-level studies. The rest began their careers in diverse fields. Zoology is not specifically mentioned.
Oxford is the best UK university for Biology studies, and the top school for Biology in Europe. It just happens that, for Zoology studies, Oxford's rival takes the top spot. Still, rest assured that they run a very close tie.
University College London
This university is home to the Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy. This facility provides a trove of specimens for future zoologists to examine and study.
Ranked: #3 in the UK, #3 in Europe, #20 in the world for Zoology studies
Programme duration: 3 years, with an optional 4th available
Tuition: £9 535 (2025/26 study year); scholarships and financial aid available.
Like Oxford, University College London (UCL) does not have a dedicated Zoology degree plan. You may apply for their BA or MBiol programmes, the latter of which adds 1 year to your studies.
Entry into UCL
Applying to UCL requires these minimum criteria:
- Grades: AAA
- Required subjects: Biology, plus one of: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Life and Health Sciences
Course Structure
Compulsory courses fill most of your first year. They are general biology study modules, which include an introduction to genetics, and cells and development.
Year 2, specialisation begins, and you may choose Zoology as your speciality. Year 3 is reserved for investigative and research projects. The course structure allows you to:
UCL is the top school to study genetics in the UK, and in Europe. Worldwide, it ranks #12. If you're undecided which biology field to enter, discover what UCL has to offer. You might find cutting-edge genetic science more to your liking.
Imperial College London
Nowhere will you find any zoology programmes listed in this university's prospectus. It's still one of the best unis for zoology, because its Biological Sciences programme covers everything.
Ranked: #4 in the UK, #6 in Europe, #27 in the world for Zoology studies
Programme duration: 3 years
Tuition: £9 535 (2025/26 study year); financial aid available.
This College's Department of Life Sciences is one of the newest initiatives in the school's Natural Sciences faculty. It offers 11 undergraduate Biology degree plans. Future Zoology students should select the Biological Sciences programme.
Core Modules
Year 1
- Evolution and Diversity
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Ecology and Evolution
- Biological Chemistry and Microbiology
Year 2
- Genetics
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Statistics and Programming
Year 3
Choose 3 optional modules
Starting in your second year, you have a choice of optional modules. You'll find them grouped into four categories. You must complete one from each group.
Entry into Imperial College London
Imperial's standard entry offer grade profile is AAA. One must be in Biology, another in Maths, Chemistry or Physics, and the last in another subject.
In all, this one of the top universities for zoology in the UK, because:
As noted above, Imperial College London is one of the world's best universities for biology studies. Of the 6 670 schools that offer Biology degree plans in the world, this school ranks #38.
University of Edinburgh
It mightn't surprise you that Charles Darwin attended this university, too. He studied medicine here, before discovering his fascination with animals and evolution.
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Ranked: #5 in the UK, #8 in Europe, #33 in the world for Zoology studies
Programme duration: 4 years
Tuition: £9 535 (2025/26 study year); financial aid and scholarships available.
At this school, you'll study Zoology from an evolutionary standpoint, from molecular biology to animal behaviour. This course teaches you how genes express, all the way to how animals interact with their environment, and each other.
Course Structure
You may consider Year 1 a foundational course. You will learn analytical and practical skills, and master laboratory techniques. You will also engage in fieldwork. Beginning Year 2, your syllabus will feature more specialised subjects, including:
Year 2
- natural selection
- DNA replication
- biological systems regulation and control
- Evolution of Animal body Plans
- Physiological Systems Across Phyla
Year 3
- explore scientific literature
- engage more deeply into fieldwork.
- investigate the evolution of animal social behaviour (Year 4)
- animals interactions with plants (Year 4)
This programme further features:
Entry into Edinburgh
This university is specific in its entry requirements:
- Standard entry offer: AAA (minimum entry requirements: ABB)
- Required subjects: Biology and Chemistry are required, with a B or higher
- Required grades: A in either Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics
- Required GCSEs: Maths or Physics at B (6) or higher; English at C (4)
Students looking for Marine Biology university courses should investigate this school. It's also a leading Marine Biology research institution.
Summary of Best Zoology Universities UK
| 📊Rank | 🏫University Name | 📜Degree plan(s) | 🧬Needed for entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | BSc Zoology | Grades: A*A*A Maths A-Level |
| 2 | University of Oxford | BSc Biology MSc Biology | Grades: A*AA A-Level Biology |
| 3 | University College London | BA Biology MBiol (Masters) | Grades: AAA Biology, plus one of: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Life and Health Sciences |
| 4 | Imperial College London | BSc Biological Sciences | Grades: AAA One A in Biology One A in Maths |
| 5 | University of Edinburgh | BSc Zoology MSc Zoology | Grades: AAA Required: Biology and Chemistry |
Summarise with AI:
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