Explore the UK’s top zoology universities where science meets adventure. From cutting-edge research to vibrant student life, find your perfect fit to study animals, ecosystems, and conservation in 2026.

Best Universities for Zoology: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026

How to use this table:
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
Rank University Academic Social
1 Gold University of Bristol 90 80
2 Silver University of Edinburgh 89 83
3 Bronze University of Glasgow 87 79
4 University of Aberdeen 85 75
5 University of Manchester 88 77
6 University of Liverpool 86 76
7 University of Nottingham 85 74
8 University of York 83 73
9 University of Sheffield 84 75
10 University of Sussex 82 78

1. University of Bristol Gold

Academic: 90
Social: 80

2. University of Edinburgh Silver

Academic: 89
Social: 83

3. University of Glasgow Bronze

Academic: 87
Social: 79

4. University of Aberdeen

Academic: 85
Social: 75

5. University of Manchester

Academic: 88
Social: 77

6. University of Liverpool

Academic: 86
Social: 76

7. University of Nottingham

Academic: 85
Social: 74

8. University of York

Academic: 83
Social: 73

9. University of Sheffield

Academic: 84
Social: 75

10. University of Sussex

Academic: 82
Social: 78

How We Ranked These Universities

Our Zoology rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.

  • Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
  • Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
  • Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
  • Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
✅ Verified by Unifresher Editorial Team | Last updated:

Explore the UK’s top zoology universities where science meets adventure. From cutting-edge research to vibrant student life, find your perfect fit to study animals, ecosystems, and conservation in 2026.

Top-Ranked Zoology Universities Explained

University of Bristol

Leading research in animal biology, excellent graduate prospects, and strong fieldwork opportunities.

University of Edinburgh

Prestigious programs with a focus on ecology, hands-on learning, and supportive campus community.

University of Glasgow

Well-rounded courses blending theory and practice, affordable living, and solid student satisfaction.

University of Aberdeen

Specialist facilities for marine and freshwater biology, plus great graduate employability rates.

University of Manchester

Diverse modules, cutting-edge research projects, and a lively student social scene.

University of Liverpool

Strong industry links, excellent lab resources, and vibrant campus life.

University of Nottingham

Balanced focus on conservation science and animal behaviour, with good value for money.

University of York

High student satisfaction, strong teaching quality, and opportunities for fieldwork.

University of Sheffield

Access to great green spaces for research, growing sustainability initiatives, and active student societies.

University of Sussex

Interdisciplinary approach, emphasis on environmental impact, and a lively campus atmosphere.

Career Prospects After a Zoology Degree

Zoology grads find careers in conservation, wildlife management, research, education, and environmental consultancy. The demand for skilled professionals in biodiversity and sustainability is growing, making this degree a smart choice for future-proof job opportunities.

Zoology Course Requirements & Entry Standards

Average UCAS points range between 120 and 150 depending on the university. Biology and Chemistry at A-level or equivalents are typically required. Top Russell Group unis may expect higher grades and relevant science subjects.

Cheapest Cities to Study Zoology in the UK

Aberdeen, Sheffield, and Glasgow offer great cost-to-quality ratios for zoology students. Consider rent, food prices, and student discounts when choosing your city.

Best Zoology Unis for Nightlife & Social Life

Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Nottingham rank highly for social activities and vibrant student unions. Use nightlife scores to pick a uni where you can balance studies and fun.

Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support

Glasgow, York, and Sussex stand out for mental health services and supportive campus communities. Check NSS scores and uni resources to ensure you’ll be well-supported.

Not Sure About Zoology? Consider These Alternatives

Biology, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Veterinary Science — all with overlapping modules and diverse career paths.

Summary: Which Zoology Uni is Right for You?

Think about academic reputation, cost of living, social life, and career prospects. Bookmark your favourites and compare to find your perfect match.

Aminah Barnes
Aminah Barnes – Manchester Metropolitan University
Topic expertise: University & Degree choice, Applications, Travel and Student life

FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Zoology

Top UK universities for Zoology include the University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, and University of Cambridge, praised for excellent research and student satisfaction.

The University of Edinburgh frequently ranks highest for Zoology due to its cutting-edge research facilities and diverse course offerings.

Yes, a Zoology degree offers strong career prospects in conservation, research, environmental consultancy, and education, with good student satisfaction rates.

Most universities require Biology and Chemistry at A-level, with some recommending Maths or Physics. Always check specific course requirements before applying.

Career options include wildlife conservationist, research scientist, environmental consultant, zookeeper, and educator.

Demand is steady in conservation, research, and environmental sectors, especially for graduates with practical skills and field experience.

Starting salaries typically range from £20,000 to £28,000, increasing with experience and specialist roles.

Balancing fieldwork, lab work, and extensive theoretical study can be challenging but rewarding for those passionate about animals and ecosystems.

Graduates often find roles in conservation charities, research institutes, environmental agencies, zoos, and education.

Yes, Zoology is highly regarded for its scientific rigour and contribution to understanding biodiversity and conservation.

Unifresher team

Unifresher Team

Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.

Student Panel

Student Writers

Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.

Expert Panel

Expert Panel

We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.

How are the Unifresher Awards judged?+

Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:

  • Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
  • Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
  • Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
  • Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
  • Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.

This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.

✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking

  • Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
  • Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
  • Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
  • Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
  • Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
  • Updated for 2025: Last checked
By students, for students.
See full methodology →

Author

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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