Program Overview

Many sessions are practical, and you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop your skills whilst visiting a number of animal collections, aquaria, commercial farms and our own animal research facilities. Situated next to the Irish Sea, Menai Strait and the mountains of Eryri, Bangor University has a long history of teaching and research in zoology. As well as dedicated onsite animal facilities for reptiles, rodents, insects, fish and crustaceans, Treborth Botanic Garden has a pigeon loft for bird cognition, physiology, and biomechanics research. Our University farm, Henfaes Research Centre is central to this degree, while our natural history museum features a diverse collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens.

Incorporated into this degree is a compulsory placement module, where you will be supported in gaining professional experience within the industry and building a portfolio. You’ll be taught by staff who will share their own experiences of working within the zoo industry, and as animal technicians. Our specialist animal management modules have been developed alongside feedback from external organisations, with the aim of enhancing student employability. Regular visits and guest speakers provide a wealth of networking opportunities within the industry and an insight into career pathways. Previous examples include Chester Zoo, Welsh Mountain Zoo, Anglesey Sea Zoo, Knowsley Safari Park, ZSL, WWT, Genus ABS, Pentre Aber Dairy and the BIAZA Research Committee.

This degree in Zoology with Animal Management can lead to a career in zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres, nature reserves, the agriculture sector, universities and government research institutions, and even veterinary work. Staff expertise spans animal husbandry, ethology, ecology, medical and environmental microbiology, plant biology, marine biotechnology, fisheries genetics, cell and genome biology, neurobiology and development. Our applied research is conducted globally, from the mountains of Snowdonia to the coral reefs of the Caribbean, from rainforests to savannahs and beyond.

The University is home to the Environment Centre for Wales, a partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), whose Welsh branch is based there. We also host the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Wales. Elsewhere in Bangor, you’ll find regional offices for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), D?r Cymru/Welsh Water, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT). Strong links with these and other employers provide opportunities for placements and volunteering, some contribute to teaching.

You’ll never be short of things to do. The Students’ Union offers a full range of student societies for those with an interest in all manner of animals. Bangor University Zoological Society, Bangor Herpetological Society, Bangor University Birdwatching Society (BUBS), Bangor University Entomology Society and Endeavour regularly collaborate on social and educational events. A recent Bioblitz Weekend, for example, featured moth trapping, mammal print traps, bush beating, sweep netting, woodland searching, and pond dipping.