Postgraduate study in the Department of Zoology

We have about 100 postgraduate students working on an MPhil or PhD in Zoology at any one time and they form a strong and lively community. 

We have academic staff that are world-class leaders in their fields and our students are encouraged to work on projects at the cutting edge of new research and policy initiatives.

There is a regular programme of talks, seminars and social events throughout the academic year as well as a myriad of opportunities across the university as a whole.

PhD in Zoology

Postgraduate applicants should contact a prospective supervisor to discuss potential projects before applying. The supervisor will support you with your application, including helping to formulate a research proposal. 

To read more about our current research and identify a potential supervisor, see our Research Overview.

Our 2025-26 projects will be advertised from September 2024. To give you an idea of the types of projects we offer, we recommend having a look at out 2024-25 project opportunities. Applicants are also welcome to approach supervisors with their own ideas.

For full information about this course, including application deadlines, entry requirements and details of how to apply, please see the link below:

Course Information and Application Form - PhD in Zoology

MPhil level study

MPhil in Biological Sciences (Zoology) by thesis

If you already have a specific topic in mind that aligns well with a specific research group within the Department of Zoology, contact the group leader by email to discuss MPhil research project opportunities. Prospective supervisors will support you with your application, including formulating a research proposal.

To read more about our current research and identify a potential supervisor, see our Research Overview.

To learn more about the projects on offer, have a look at some of our 2024-25 project opportunities.

For full information about this course, including application deadlines, entry requirements and details of how to apply, please see the link below:

Course Information and Application Form - MPhil in Biological Science (Zoology)

MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study

If you are interested in a subject area but unsure about the specific research group or project, you may want to consider applying to this multi-pathway Master’s course:

Course Information – MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study

School of Biological Sciences Master's Bursary Award

MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe

The MPhil in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe (PSLU) is a 10-month cross-departmental programme designed to deliver outstanding postgraduate level training in the search for life’s origins on Earth and its discovery on planets beyond Earth.

Course Information - MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe

Funding

The main Course Funding Deadline for applications to courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026 will be confirmed on the relevant course information pages from September 2024.

Find out more about funding available, and how to apply, click here.

Find out more

• Please see the links on the left for funding information, application FAQs and to read and hear from our students about what it is really like to be a postgraduate student in the Department.
• The next Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will take place 4 - 15 November 2024. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.
• Learn more about Postgraduate Study at the University of Cambridge.