Zoology with Ornithology MZool

About This Course

This Master in Zoology (Ornithology) degree course is an extended undergraduate programme which allows you to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or a Masters at the end of the fourth year. We offer a great deal of flexibility in our degrees giving you peace of mind.

Birds have a high profile as model organisms in zoology, and are the focus of growing conservation concern due to the alarming decline of many species. There is a growing demand for professional scientists with specialised knowledge and skills relating to birds.

This degree course in Zoology with Ornithology prepares you for work as a science professional as we combine traditional zoology with an emphasis upon avian biology and diversity. We deliver this alongside aspects of conservation management and practices. We will provide you with broad zoological training, with a special focus on both pure and applied aspects of animal life, as well as specialist ornithological knowledge and skills.

You will have the opportunity to acquire a broad range of laboratory and field skills, at home and abroad, and all the transferable skills associated with scientific training, including skills in data analysis, writing and presentation skills, IT skills and experience of independent and group-working. You will have access to a spread of Zoology modules covering vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as a suite of specialist modules on the exciting area of ornithology.

The fourth year MZool offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field. As an example, previous MZool projects have included exploring avian energetics during flight trials, examining how birds navigate via experimental manipulation, and ecological and behavioural studies of local Welsh species in partnership with local avian organizations and nature reserves.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
• Bangor is a UK centre of research excellence in ornithology, with a team of full-time staff specialising in avian evolution, behaviour, physiology and conservation, and many other staff who have ornithological interests. 
• We benefit from expert input to this degree from the Wales office for the British Trust for Ornithology, which is located at Bangor University. 
• We have our own natural history museum.
• We also have a research farm, botanical gardens, and a pigeon loft.