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Undergraduate Zoology and Biology Degrees

Our Biology degrees get you exploring in the field and experimenting in the lab.

Beyond the core modules, you can specialise in fields such as:

  • zoology
  • microbiology
  • ecology and conservation
  • biochemistry
  • genomics
  • biodiversity
Biology students
Teaching excellence

Our teaching is highly regarded. We achieve 90%+ consistently in the National Student Survey.

Our staff are regularly nominated in the Teaching Excellence Award scheme. This reflects how well regarded they are by our students.

Prof. Angharad Gatehouse's group was among the first to produce insect-resistant transgenic crops. This is vital work in protecting yield in poverty-stricken countries from crop pests.

Our biology degrees ensure you gain the highest standard of practical experience. Lab and fieldwork are given a high priority.

Quality and ranking

Biology at Newcastle University ranks:

  • Top 150 – Biological Sciences category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2021
  • 92nd - Life Sciences category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
Careers in animal science

Our Animal Science graduates go into a wide range of careers. They secure employment with leading organisations, including:

  • AB Agri
  • Dogs Trust
  • Durham Wildlife Trust
  • Lloyds Animal Feeds
  • DEFRA
  • Farmers Weekly
  • Kraft Heinz – Pet Food Manufacturer, New Zealand
  • Trouw Nutrition
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency
  • Chester Zoo

You will be well equipped for careers in animal:

  • welfare
  • behaviour
  • nutrition
  • health and pharmaceuticals
  • genetics
  • product quality
  • food supply chains

Many graduates continue in research becoming the scientists of the future. They start their own animal-related businesses, e.g. massage and hydrotherapy. Some continue to study to become vets and teachers.

Careers in biology

Our graduates are sought after by leading companies in a variety of industries. These include:

  • sales and management in biological industries
  • environmental management
  • teaching
  • environmental education
  • science communication
  • market research in science

Students from our biology degrees can go into research/development in biological industries, universities, and the NHS.

Careers in zoology

Our graduates are sought in a wide variety of areas such as:

  • conservation
  • animal behaviour
  • conservation research
  • biodiversity science
  • field identification
  • population genetics

Graduates can go into research/development in biological industries, universities, and the NHS.

Excellent facilities

Our facilities include excellent teaching and research labs. They cater for our specialisms, which include:

  • protein analysis
  • microscopy
  • computing/data analysis
  • chemical analysis and HPLC

We also have access to two farms, specialist plant growth facilities, and the Great North Museum collections.