BSc Zoology with a Modern Language

Tuition fees are considerably lower for your placement year. Please see the fees page for full details.

Tuition fees are considerably lower for your placement year. Please see the fees pages for full details.

As part of your Zoology BSc course, you will go on an optional field course in the UK or abroad. This is subsidised by the University but you still need to contribute to the cost of the field course if you choose to go. Costs vary depending on the destination. A deposit is required at the start of the academic year, with the balance to be paid later. You will receive more information when you start at Manchester.

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the UK's Turing scheme depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.

We require grades AAA-AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AA in at least two Core Sciences. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a B in their third A-level will receive an offer of AAB. Those predicted/who have achieved an A or A* will be eligible for an offer of AAA.

If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects, we can consider you for an AAA offer if you are also sitting an A-level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria .

Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology.

We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to your understanding and appreciation of these subjects. We encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification.

In recognition of the significant disruption to studies this year, offer conditions will not state a requirement to obtain a Pass in the practical element of any science A-levels for 2022. This requirement is waived, including those sitting International A-levels.

Language entry requirements

In addition to the above, each language has specific entry requirements.

• French : an A-level in French (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
• German : an A-level in German (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
• Spanish : an A-level in Spanish (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
• Italian: an A-level in Italian (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
• Japanese : no prior knowledge of Japanese is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, eg GCSE grade 7 or A in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (minimum grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally grade A).
• Mandarin : no prior knowledge of Mandarin is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, eg GCSE grade 7 or A in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally grade A).

Contextual offer: AAB-ABC (including specific subjects).

Typical WP++ Contextual offer: ABB-ABD (including specific subjects).

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.

35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level including two sciences, normally Biology and Chemistry.

For degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, 5 or 6 points in the language must be achieved at Higher Level.

For degrees with Mandarin or Japanese, 5 points is required in a foreign language at Standard Level. A minimum of 5 points in Chemistry at Standard Level (or Higher Level) is essential.

We welcome applications from overseas students. Please see our international entry requirements page for individual country requirements.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

• Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or
•  Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB.

In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade A in National 5/grade A in Intermediate 2/grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language and B in Scottish Highers Chemistry. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk    

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would usually consider it when taken with two science A-levels.

If you are taking two core science subjects, the minimum grade required will be A or B (depending on your predicted grade), or grade A if you are taking one core science and one soft science.

However, due to the additional language requirement for the degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, this qualification may not form part of your offer conditions.

For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: an award at 75%-80% or above overall, with a minimum of 7.5-8 in three written subjects including two science subjects.

In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. We accept a score of 7.0 or 70% at Year 7 in English Language in the EB or a separate English Language qualification such as IELTS 6.5 in each component.

For French, Spanish, Italian and German, students must achieve 7 in their chosen language. Applicants with an acceptable qualification in a foreign language can also be considered for Mandarin and Japanese provided their science subjects include Chemistry.

Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for further information.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.

Due to the additional language requirements for this course, the only languages that may be available are Mandarin and Japanese. Please contact us for further information.

All applicants resident or studying in the UK are required to attend an interview.

Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade A in any other subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate

We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy BTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Language entry requirements

In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language A-level if taking two Core Sciences, or grade A if taking one and a soft science, in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade 7 or A in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)

We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.

Legacy CTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AA required).

We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Language entry requirements

In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language A-level if taking two Core Sciences, or grade A if taking one and a soft science, or an acceptable equivalent language qualification.

The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade 7 or A in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.

In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.

We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.

We also have specific entry requirements for each language. Please contact us for further information.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a D3 in one of the Core Science subjects. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a M1 in their third subject will receive an offer of D3, D3, M1, while those predicted/who have achieved a D3 or higher will be eligible for an offer of D3, D3, D3.

If you have achieved or are predicted D3 in one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science, you will receive an offer of D3, D3, D3, provided the other Core Science is at D2 or D3.

For French, Spanish, Italian and German, you must achieve minimum M1 in your chosen language if taking two Core Sciences; if taking only one Core Science and one soft science, you must achieve D3. Applicants with an acceptable qualification in a foreign language can also be considered for Mandarin and Japanese, provided they have achieved or will achieve Chemistry at grade D3.

We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year: 

• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (Delivered By NCFE) 
• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science (Delivered By NCFE) 
• Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health (Delivered By NCFE)

For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4 or C;
• IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
• an acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route Visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Candidates may be interviewed online or by telephone, or asked to complete an alternative admissions statement.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

This course is modular. You will study compulsory course units and choose some optional units.

Most science units are assigned 10 credits and you will take 120 credits each year.

For most languages, you will need to acquire 20 credits per year, but this can be higher for certain other languages, such as Japanese and Mandarin, which require 40 credits per year. 

You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:

• genetics
• biodiversity
• evolution

You will study on a field course in either Scotland for marine biology or South Africa for animal behaviour.

Year 1 also provides an introduction to the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.

You will spend approximately one-third of your time studying course units related to your chosen language.

You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise in subjects such as animal behaviour, animal diversity and animal physiology. You will also undertake a Science Communication unit.

In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological science research on a field course in either Costa Rica, Malaysia or the Italian Alps.

Subject to satisfactory academic performance and placement availability, you will spend this year overseas on your modern language placement.

Final year topics reflect the current hotspots of bioscience endeavour and the research interests of our staff, and are constantly being updated.

You will undertake an independent in-depth research project that may involve supervised practical work in a laboratory, or you may choose to work on e-learning, educational, data analysis, bioinformatics or enterprise topics. 

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

This course has Advanced Accreditation  from the Royal Society of Biology.

Advanced Accreditation recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, highlighting degrees that contain a significant research element and educate the future leaders of research and development.

The criteria require evidence that graduates meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.

In recognition of this, a graduate of an advanced accredited course can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after just two years of practice, rather than the usual three.

These graduates can attain the qualifications of Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist one year sooner than graduates from other courses.