Program Overview

The only specialist course of its kind in the UK, this degree in Zoology with Primatology prepares you for pure or applied primate research, to support primate conservation in the wild, or manage primate welfare in zoos and sanctuaries. Broad zoological training sets advanced and specialised knowledge of primates in the fullest evolutionary context.

Bangor University benefits from established and growing primatology research into their behaviour, physiology, diversity, adaptations, conservation, captive welfare, and evolutionary relationship with humans. This provides opportunities to engage with ongoing research activities and interact with specialist staff. Our links with the Primate Society of Great Britain provide opportunities for students to engage with the premier learned society of the UK, dedicated to the study, conservation and welfare or primates. We regularly invite leading primatologist from around the world to deliver guest talks, both on our primatology modules and in School-wide research seminars. These are open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Our expertise encompasses studies on non-human primate behavioural ecology, ecophysiology, conservation, population genetics and molecular ecology, evolution and biogeography. Staff also work on topics in primate (including human) evolutionary anatomy, and human evolution.

The University has strong links with a range of employers connected to animals and the environment, which provides opportunities for work placements and volunteering; some also contribute to teaching. It 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).

As well as large modern teaching and research laboratories, computer rooms, and study spaces, we have dedicated onsite facilities for reptiles, rodents and insects. Treborth Botanic Garden has a pigeon loft for bird cognition, physiology, and biomechanics research, and you can find Alpaca, sheep and bee hives on the farm at Henfaes Research Centre.

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 often collaborate on social and educational events.