Zoologist

You could study for a degree in a subject, such as:

• zoology
• animal ecology and behaviour
• conservation
• marine biology
• environmental biology

You may need a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD for certain jobs, particularly in research.

Some degree courses offer a placement year where you can get relevant experience in areas like conservation.

Doing an internship during the summer holidays can also help you gain useful knowledge and skills. Your university careers department will be able to give you information about opportunities. They may also have links with wildlife or conservation organisations in the UK or overseas.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Volunteering in conservation work is a good way to strengthen your application for university courses.

Many opportunities won't be advertised, so you could contact organisations directly.

You can also use sites like:

• Royal Society of Biology
• The Wildlife Trusts
• World Wildlife Fund
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

Career tips

You can search for zoology, conservation and ecology opportunities online, for example through sites like Conservation Jobs.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in zoology from the Institute of Zoology or from other specialist organisations, depending on your interest:

• British Ornithologists' Union
• British Herpetological Society
• British Ecological Society