Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The BSc Hons degree in Zoology opens career opportunities in Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Coastal Ecosystems Ecology and Management, Terrestrial and Marine Conservation Biology, Environmental Physiology, Aquaculture, Ecosystem Analysis, and Numerical Modeling. Included in the Honours programme are several excursions relevant to the selected modules, as well as a general compulsory excursion to environments of interest and educational value. The programme consists of modules, as well as a research project by choice of the candidate but within the capabilities and general research framework of the department.

Faculty: Science | Duration: 1 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The published curriculum is an NQF Level 8 qualification of 120 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Conservation Biologist, Environmental Manager, Marine Biologist, Restoration Ecologist, Zoologist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The entrance qualification for the Honours degree in Zoology is a Bachelor’s degree with Zoology as a major subject. Candidates who have not obtained an average of at least 60% in this major subject will only be admitted to the Honours programme with the special permission of the Department, and on such conditions as may be determined by the Department. Candidates must in addition have completed the prerequisites for the modules which they select.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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