About This Course
Sir David Attenborough has called climate change humanity’s greatest threat; resulting in the loss of civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world. By studying for a degree in Zoology with Climate Change Studies at Bangor University you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be an essential part of the solution David Attenborough has called for.
Zoology is the branch of science that studies animals. It covers a huge range of topics including taxonomy, physiology, evolution, morphology, biodiversity, and behaviour. This ensures zoology students not only gain specialised zoological knowledge, but also benefit from learning a broad and transferable skill set. In addition, this course covers one of the most important and topical fields in science: climate change. Various aspects will be covered from the science behind climate change, to the socio-economic impacts of environmental change. Crucially, the course will look at links and interactions between zoology and climate change. How are animals affected; how are they adapting; what implications does this have on wildlife and ecosystem conservation; and even, how are the actions of some animals affecting our climate?
Alongside a broad theoretical understanding of zoology and climate change studies, students will also be equipped with extensive field and laboratory skills. Data analysis, group work, presentation and writing techniques will also be learnt, ensuring all students are fully prepared for a wide range of careers.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Nestled between the mountains and the sea Bangor in North Wales is the obvious choice for anyone wanting to study zoology or natural sciences, as our location presents the best natural laboratory in the UK. Our students don’t have to travel to visit the most important and varied fieldsites during their course – they’re on our doorstep. We’re minutes away from both the foothills of the Snowdonia mountain range and the shores of the Anglesey coastline. Throughout your degree you will therefore benefit from the proximity of such an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats. Bangor is also home to the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), the Natural Resources Wales (NRW), as well as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT), all of which have close links to the university and staff associated with this course. The School of Natural Sciences is also part of the new Environment Centre for Wales which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).
- Bangor University is exceptional in that it has its own zoological museum, botanical garden and university farm – all of which are used for teaching and research.
- We also have a pigeon loft for bird cognition and physiology research at the Treborth botanic gardens, rodent and reptile facilities in the Brambell building, Alpaca, sheep and bee hives at the University farm at Henfaes.
Course Content
On this course students are required to take 120 credits each year made up of lectures, practicals, and interactive exercises, as well as field trips and tutorials in years 1 and 2. The final year can include an integrated research project, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit the student’s interests. Modules become more specialised as the degree progresses and the number of compulsory modules varies between years. Assessment is by a mixture of formal examination and continuous assessment. Welsh medium modules are also available.
The Master in Zoology with Climate Change Studies is an extended undergraduate programme which allows students to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year.
If at the end of Year 2 a sufficient standard has been achieved, then progression onto the Masters year will be permitted following completion of Year 3. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field
What will you study on this course?
Information on each module can be found in the link below.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Zoology with Climate Change Studies Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Course Costs
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry).
- More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
For 2021 entry:
GCSE: grade C/4 in English, Maths and Double Award Science
Typical offer is based on a minimum 112 UCAS tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.
- A Levels (including grade C in Biology if studying 1 other science subject - Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environment Science, Geography, Geology; or grade B in Biology if not studying another science subject)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (including H5 in Biology)
- BTEC National/Extended Diploma: DMM including merits in 4 Biology modules **
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical (1080) / Extended Diploma: Distinction overall including 4 Biology modules **
- Access to HE in the Sciences **: Pass
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is not accepted.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com
For 2020 entry:
GCSE: grade C/4 in English, Maths and Double Award Science
Typical offer is based on a minimum 112 UCAS tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.
- A Levels (including grade C in Biology if studying 1 other science subject - Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environment Science, Geography, Geology; or grade B in Biology if not studying another science subject)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (including H5 in Biology)
- BTEC National/Extended Diploma: DMM including merits in 4 Biology modules **
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical (1080) / Extended Diploma: Distinction overall including 4 Biology modules **
- Access to HE in the Sciences **: Pass
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted.
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is not accepted.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com
General University Requirements
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.
Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.
EU and International students' entry requirements
For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
More information
Home/EU students and International UCAS applicants
E-mail for General Admissions: admissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to:
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383717
International students (non-UCAS applicants)
Email to International Admissions: internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382028
Careers
Zoologists from Bangor University have gained employment in wildlife management, environmental consultancy, and local and national media. Others have undertaken a range of postgraduate programmes, whilst graduates with a knowledge of climate change studies could find themselves employment in government funded agencies, charities, NGOs, research groups and even financial organisations interested in the effects of climate change.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)
The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.
The HEAR is a final graduation report that all undergraduates receive. The report itemises all academic achievements and additional extra and co-curricular achievements. Academic achievements appear on the report automatically and students are able to note their eligible activities by using the online platform ‘My Employability Hub’. This ensures that future employers are made aware of the additional skills the student has gained outside of the curriculum.
The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.
Internships
Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.
Internships offer valuable experience in a professional workplace and there are a range of internships you can get involved in.
Student Volunteering
Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.
The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.
TARGETconnect - Working while you Study
The Skills and Employability Service offers support to students searching for employment during and after their studies.
TARGETconnect advertises the following opportunities:
- Graduate jobs – Local, National and International
- Full-time, part time, permanent and temporary jobs
- Work experience / internships
- Voluntary opportunities
