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Applying to both zoology and biological sciences?

I was originally planning to apply to zoology for all my choices however I've read that biological sciences is similar and is a better degree to have. Upon making the switch I've found that not all the universities I was looking into offer it. I'm happy to apply to both courses but I want to know if it's ok to do or if it's better to dedicate to one? My top choice is biological sciences at UCL due to the chance to further specialise in zoology later on.
It's fine, at a lot of unis the two largely overlap - at one uni I was at they basically told us "it's the same degree but biologists have to do the plants modules and zoologists don't". Make of that what you will.

Also at some unis they don't offer a specific degree in zoology and you just specialise into it via the biology/biological sciences degree.

I doubt either is "better" in any general sense.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by toastedcake
I was originally planning to apply to zoology for all my choices however I've read that biological sciences is similar and is a better degree to have. Upon making the switch I've found that not all the universities I was looking into offer it. I'm happy to apply to both courses but I want to know if it's ok to do or if it's better to dedicate to one? My top choice is biological sciences at UCL due to the chance to further specialise in zoology later on.

Hi! I’m a current Zoology student :h:

I find that often some courses will overlap, I know that a biological related courses at my university share lots of modules and only have a few separate modules and focuses. As you progress through your degree you will likely specialise more and share less content but it’s worth checking the modules on the university’s course website to see what is shared between other subjects and contacting the university/students on Unibuddy or via email to enquire about their similarities!

Good luck!

- Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep :smile:
Original post by toastedcake
I was originally planning to apply to zoology for all my choices however I've read that biological sciences is similar and is a better degree to have. Upon making the switch I've found that not all the universities I was looking into offer it. I'm happy to apply to both courses but I want to know if it's ok to do or if it's better to dedicate to one? My top choice is biological sciences at UCL due to the chance to further specialise in zoology later on.

Hi, second year zoology student here!

There should be no issue applying to both courses. From my experience the two courses tend to overlap a lot in the first year. After that, as you move into the degree the courses tend to diverge more. I've found that the two courses tend to have similar modules open to them but differ in those that are optional and obligatory. For example, when I was in my first year, aquatic ecology was an obligatory module for me but optional for biology students.

At many universities you have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your preferences by choosing the modules you like best. So, you could choose to take biological sciences but end up taking many zoology oriented modules. I chose Zoology because I knew it was what I wanted to do, but if you are still unsure biological sciences will be broader and allow you to explore more fields before making up your mind. Bearing this in mind, make sure to check the modules both obligatory and optional for both courses offered by different unis as the formatting will vary from institution to institution.

Something else I've learnt is that you are never out of options. Degrees in the biological sciences have many transferable skills and switching your career path up along the way is never out of the question.

Good luck in your studies!

Aimée (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

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