Animals interact with each other and with their environment, forming complex relationships such that zoologists need a broad understanding of the living world, life processes and the animal kingdom. Exciting progress is being made in animal biology and behaviour, animal health and welfare and in the management of animal communities, making this the perfect time to study Zoology. The Zoology course is delivered by Queen's University Belfast.

Zoology Degree Highlights

Zoologists at QUB have the opportunity to avail of the strong international links with Universities in South Africa, America and Canada.

Global Opportunities

¥ Zoologists at QUB have the opportunity to avail of the strong international links with Universities in South Africa, America and Canada. In addition there is the opportunity to volunteer or carry out projects at many international sites including the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, as well as many other countries.

Professional Accreditations

¥ The most generally appropriate professional body for graduate biologists is the Society of Biology, the leading professional body representing practising scientists, students at all levels and professionals in academia, industry and education.

Internationally Renowned Experts

¥ Jonathan Scott Ð Conservationist, award winning wildlife photographer, author and big cat specialist

Student Experience

¥ Work placements on these programmes provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment. Past students have gained work placement within organisations such as Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Castle Espie, National Trust, North Atlantic Whale Foundation, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Health Service, Harnas Wildlife Foundation, Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Turtle Foundation and many more.

Career Prospects

Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. These positions encompass areas of innovative research and development of new products, advisory and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organisations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.

Graduates pursue careers in teaching, nature conservation and laboratory-based posts in biomedical, industrial, pharmaceutical, academic and government institutions as well as in universities and colleges of higher education. The remainder undertake further training in areas such as computing, administration and management or medicine (human or veterinary), developing their skills from a sound scientific background. Further training also helps them to find employment in a variety of non-biological careers, including public service administration, industrial management, accountancy and computing.

Employers are looking for graduates with generic skills of communication, problem-solving, data analysis, social skills, a range of interests and a record of success. We believe that a degree in Zoology will help our students to develop these skills. For further information on careers see the Institute of Biology website.

Career ServicesÊ

The School of Biological Sciences employs a dedicated careers adviser who has developed an extensive portfolio of employers, both nationally and internationally, within the science sector. Advice is also provided on CV preparation, interview techniques and securing summer work or longer placements.Ê

Placement EmployersÊ

Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:Ê

  • ÊNorthern Ireland Water LtdÊ
  • ÊEnvironment AgencyÊ
  • ÊForensic ServiceÊ
  • ÊMoy ParkÊ
  • ÊNorth Atlantic Whale FoundationÊ
  • ÊNational TrustÊ
  • ÊRandox LaboratoriesÊ
  • ÊNorbrook Laboratories LtdÊ
  • ÊThe Almac GroupÊ
  • ÊUlster Wildlife Trust
  • ÊCastle Espie
  • ÊBelfast Zoo
  • ÊRSPB
  • ÊKindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
  • ÊHarnas Wildlife Foundation
  • ÊTurtle Foundation
  • ÊWildfowl and Wetland trust