BSc (Hons) Zoology with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Salford
BSc (Hons) Zoology with Foundation Year at University of Salford. You'll undertake practical investigative work across core theory, research methods, and applied study, culminating in an independent project and, should you choose, a placement year.
About this course
Be at the forefront of zoological science with our BSc Zoology with Foundation Year degree. Research-led teaching. Laboratory-based learning. Include a placement year. Apply now. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Zoology with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Salford. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Zoology graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 40% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Modules 4 modules
- Mathematical Methods and Information Technology
Module details
practise using Information Technology for effective presentation and communication of data and ideas
- Professional Communications
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provide students with a structured and supportive environment in which to develop their academic practice and professionalism through lectures and tutor-led seminars
- Science for Health
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Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health – e.g. pollution, nutrition, drug development and consider examples of environmental interventions and clinical trials
- Environmental Conservation
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Fundamental introductions to ecology, sustainability, environmental management, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services. Teaches practical approaches to sustainable resource development, conservation techniques and priorities in habitat and wildlife management. Essential skills in literature review and report writing
Year one 6 modules
- Biodiversity
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Overview of remarkable biodiversity, focusing on the major groups, their characteristics, their diversity, and their evolutionary relationships
- Molecules to Microbes
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Basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms: the formation, properties and importance of bio-organic molecules, the diverse nature of micro-organisms and their structure, function and importance
- Genes to Ecosystems
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First trimester provides a systems-led approach to understand basic concepts of genetics. Second trimester extends this approach to understand basic concepts of ecosystems
- Biological Skills
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Develop practical laboratory skills employed in biological laboratory practice and relevant to cell, organismal, micro and molecular biology, which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work
- Study Skills
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Learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and develop practical learning and presentation methods. Gain appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills
- Global Distribution of Wildlife
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Overview of the world's major biomes and, using case studies from around the globe, explore the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities and the way wildlife adapts to these factors. Understanding of how biogeographic principles can aid conservation planning
Year two 9 modules
- Introduction to Parasitology and Infectious Diseases
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Comprehensive lecture programme enabling knowledge and understanding of: the range of infectious diseases that impact on humans; the basic biology and life cycles of protozoa and helminths of medical importance; vectors that transmit infectious agents and the internal and external factors that affect transmission
- Research Skills
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Learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during the rest of the course and beyond
- Data Science
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Develop skills in data handling, data analysis and quantitative methods across a broad area within the Biological Sciences, with relevance for transferrable workplace skills and future employability. Focus on developing skills with the statistical programming language R
- Ecology in ActionOptional
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Study fundamental principles of population and community ecology, including the impact that factors such as competition, predation and parasitism may have on population size and community structure. Includes a residential field course where students put theory into practice
- Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)Optional
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Overview of how diversity in the animal kingdom has evolved. Illustrates the basic principles of evolution as a force to create biodiversity
- Animal PhysiologyOptional
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All animals share the same basic requirements for life. By applying fundamental physiological principles, discover how the organs of different animals have adapted to specific environmental and metabolic demands. Laboratory classes use cutting-edge equipment to develop competence in physiological techniques
- Human PhysiologyOptional
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Investigate the function of major organ systems and how they regulate homeostasis. Using cutting-edge lab equipment, develop practical skills to analyse physiological adaptations as true physiologists do in the world sport and exercise science
- Wildlife Behavioural EcologyOptional
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Focus on the principles of wildlife ecology and animal behaviour with particular reference to mammal and bird species. Introduces scientific methods in the study of ecology and behaviour
- Ocean ChallengesOptional
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Learn about the challenges faced by the marine ecosystems and marine organisms. Opportunity to engage in actual data collection and data analysis during a residential course (compulsory to the module). Look at contemporary environmental issues in marine biology
Year three 11 modules
- Final Year Project and Professional SkillsOptional
Module details
Dissertation module allowing you to develop independent research skills, including both data collection/generation (for example, via lab-based research or fieldwork) and analysis, while conducting research on a topic relevant to your programme of study. Develop professional skills, with a focus on employability
- Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)Optional
Module details
Dissertation module allowing you to develop independent research skills, including data analysis, while conducting research on a topic relevant to your programme of study. Learn about science communication and the variety of methods in which science can be disseminated and communicated, and put these methods into practice. Develop professional skills, with a focus on employability
- Animal Cognition and Social Complexity (Wildlife)Optional
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Develop an understanding of the cognitive abilities and limitations of nonhuman animals, with a particular focus on nonhuman primates. Develop understanding of the cognitive challenges associated with living in complex social groups
- Fisheries ScienceOptional
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Broad understanding of the world's fisheries, their usefulness, their drivers, their controversies; and the ability to assess the conflicts of interests among stakeholders
- Biology of ParasitesOptional
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Importance of human and animal parasites, in relation to medical, veterinary or wildlife aspects, life-cycle biology, host response and the principles of parasite epidemiology and transmission. Study strategies for parasite detection, diagnosis and control. Includes a unique field course
- Environmental Geographical Information SystemsOptional
Module details
Develop geographical information systems (GIS) knowledge and ability to use the ArcGIS software and understand the factors controlling the design and implementation of GIS solutions to map, monitor and model terrestrial environments. Learn theory behind GIS and how GIS can be applied to Wildlife Conservation. Gain hands on experience using GIS on a species of your choice
- Tropical Ecology and ConservationOptional
Module details
Based round a 2-week field trip to a tropical biology field station. Learn concepts in, and approaches to, tropical ecology and conservation and biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. Involves an independent research project in the field that will be written up as a scientific report
- Practical Ecology and ConservationOptional
Module details
Equip you with the basic knowledge and skills needed for ecological consultancy. Designed to promote employability and apply academic qualifications to a growing sector. Overview of consultancy and the ecology of survey methods used for protected species and habitats. Main assessment involves proposing surveys for a client and carrying out surveys in practical sessions
- Evolution, Development and AdaptationOptional
Module details
Way evolution has shaped both the development and adaptation of groups of animals to their environments
- Applied Freshwater BiologyOptional
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Knowledge and critical understanding of the biology and ecology of freshwater systems relevant to the water industry and related organisations. Provides necessary skills and techniques to undertake biological and chemical evaluation of water quality ecology, fish population and condition. Laboratory skills to test water quality to the standards of the Water Framework Directive UK
- Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesOptional
Module details
Maintenance and transmission of infectious diseases of veterinary or zoonotic interest. Particular interest focused on the role of wildlife species in the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases. Role of arthropod-vectors in transmitting infections and how this influences the ecology of such infections
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
Who it's for
You are curious about animal behaviour, ecology, and biological systems, and you learn best through hands-on experimentation and direct observation. You may be returning to education after a gap, or you want to strengthen your scientific foundations before committing to honours-level work. You're attracted to coursework that balances theoretical understanding with practical laboratory skills, and you're willing to invest significant time in fieldwork and independent research.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree. Roughly 60% of working graduates enter highly skilled roles or continue to postgraduate study. National earnings data shows zoology graduates earn between £23,000 and £29,000 when they start work, with the range widening to £25,075–£35,400 within five years. A placement year, integrated into this four-year programme, strengthens your professional network and can improve your employability in research institutions, conservation organisations, or environmental consultancies.
University & format
The University of Salford is a public university in Salford. This is a 4-year full-time honours degree taught in English, leading to a BSc (Hons) award. The course includes a foundation year to ensure you're ready for degree-level study. The University of Salford is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your qualification is nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| an Access course | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Salford →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,500 | £20,000 – £25,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £16,500 | £13,000 – £19,500 | 100 |
| 5 years after | £21,000 | £15,500 – £25,000 | 110 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 771 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Animal care and control servicesSOC 2020 612 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,997
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.2 out of 10: NSS 84.6% · in work or study 90% · continued 40%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Salford
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Salford University
10 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Salford from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Salford; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Salford’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Salford and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Salford
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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