Just finished matric and want to become an ecologist, entomologist or zoologist?

One way to become an ecologist, entomologist or zoologist is to register for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria. The Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate degree that usually takes three years to complete. There is also a programme that takes four years to complete if you did not achieve the marks in matric needed to get into the three-year programme.

After you meet the requirements for the BSc, you can apply for postgraduate degrees:

• You can apply for a BSc Honours degree after the BSc
• You can apply for a Master of Science (MSc) degree after the BSc Honours degree
• You can apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree after the MSc degree

After achieving each level, different job opportunities become available that require higher levels of knowledge, skills and independence.

Which undergraduate degree programmes are offered in the Department of Zoology and Entomology?

The Department of Zoology and Entomology is home to three undergraduate degree programmes: BSc (Ecology), BSc (Entomology), and BSc (Ecology).

Click on the images below for details on each undergraduate degree programme, information on what ecologists, entomologists and zoologists do, career opportunities, and the marks needed in matric to be admitted.

Who employs ecologists, entomologists and zoologists?

Ecologists, entomologists and zoologists are needed to solve global problems like biodiversity loss (endangered and threatened species conservation), climate change, emerging human and wildlife infectious diseases, food security, and habitat loss.

We have compiled a list of employers that regularly seek graduates with expertise in ecology, entomology and zoology.

Which subjects do I need to take in each year and who can I talk to for advice?

The subjects (or 'modules') that you need to take to qualify for our BSc programmes are published in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Yearbook. Click on the links below to go to the yearbook entries for each programme. If you need more help with subject selection, contact the relevant undergraduate advisor.

The yearbook is difficult to understand! How do I make sense of it?

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Yearbook contains a lot of information on the undergraduate degree programmes, including admission requirements (the matric marks you need), the content of the modules you need to take, what you need to move on to the next year, and the marks you need to get to graduate with a Distinction. But it can be difficult to understand if you're not familiar with it. The picture below points out important features.