Laurea in Zoologia

Immerse yourself in the theory and practical application of zoology, for a fulfilling career conserving the biodiversity of our planet and protecting animal species across the globe.

You’ll explore how animals evolve, interact and function, how human activity affects animal populations, how zoos contribute to conservation, and much more. You could see the impact of conservation first-hand on an optional trip to South Africa, and a residential field course with a UK zoo.

You’ll learn from experienced animal scientists, conservationists and industry practitioners to develop field and laboratory skills that are in great demand by employers.

You could broaden your knowledge by spending one semester in Canada or the USA, studying at one of our partner institutions. You’ll have the option to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or overseas, to gain additional experience.

Our facilities provide fantastic opportunities to develop real-life experiences. These include a range of laboratories, a 70-species Animal Collection, and commercial animal therapy centres. Our 360-hectare estate is ideal for learning a range of survey techniques and for studying British wildlife.

What you'll study

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

You’ll study a broad range of zoology-related topics through your core modules, which will address evolution, ecology, conservation biology and the structure and function of animals.

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

The optional integrated placement year is the main opportunity to gain work experience as part of this programme. We’ll support you to find a suitable work placement based on your interests and career aspirations. Placements can be paid or unpaid and can be anywhere in the world. Previously, we’ve supported students to complete work placements in Seychelles, Kenya, New Zealand, across Europe, and in a variety of locations in the UK. Students have completed placements at a range of zoos, with a reptile breeder/retailer, conservation organisations and NGOs.

You could gain work experience using our on-site facilities, often with the opportunity to work with real clients, supervise others or participate in special events, such as the world-class equestrian events that take place at Hartpury every year.

Alongside the opportunities on campus, you’ll have ample opportunities to undertake volunteering with the wide range of zoos, wildlife parks, wildlife hospitals, nature reserves and animal welfare charities in the region – many of which we have strong links with and graduates working at.

Graduate destinations

As a zoology graduate, you could go on to work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or rescue, conservation or welfare centres. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

• Instructor, Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Animal Welfare Assistant, Blue Cross
• Editorial Assistant, BSAVA
• Zookeeper, Bristol Zoo
• Guest Experience Manager, Bristol Aquarium
• Postgraduate Study - MRes Animal Behaviour and Welfare, MRes Anthrozoology

Hartpury University is a specialist education provider in Gloucestershire, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Agriculture, Animal, Equine, Sport and Veterinary Nursing. World-leading facilities and expertise attract staff and students from over 60 countries.

Students will benefit from a career-focused learning experience, underpinned by the latest industry research, much of which is undertaken at Hartpury. Hartpury students also have the chance to train as an athlete alongside their studies as part of one of their 10 performance Sports Academies.

The university’s £150 million campus is home to state-of-the-art learning facilities, many of which are also commercial businesses and offer opportunities for work experience alongside or as part of a course.

This includes a commercial farm with a new agri-tech centre, canine and equine therapy centres, international events, sports injury clinics, and professional athletes training on-site. There are also international arenas, the latest technologies, and over 70 species in the university’s animal collection. Students will have everything they need to put the theory from the classroom into practice.

We welcome all students to become part of the Hartpury family , building on our reputation as a local, regional, national and international provider of high-quality training and education.