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Introduction

The Department of Zoology and Entomology had its centenary celebrations in 2012, as it was one of the founder departments of the University of the Free State. Our department has two focus areas, i.e. Zoology and Entomology, that students can major in.  Apart from this, our numerous research fields focus on,among others, African topics covering terrestrial and aquatic habitats,encompassing a wide diversity of animals. Career opportunities: teaching (both at school and tertiary institutions), environmental  consulting, research at conservation agencies, SANPARKS, game reserves, zoological gardens, museums, local authorities, government departments, private companies and in the film industry.

The UFS Department of Zoology and Entomology consists of two sub-disciplines:

  • Zoology
  • Entomology

Our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in both these sub-disciplines cover a wide range of fields. Our philosophy is that a student's first year is an introductory year, and from the second year we specialise in various aspects.


BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS

Zoology

Undergraduate studies

Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences, with Zoology as first major and Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Entomology, or Botany as the second major.

  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Zoology and Botany
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Zoology and Biochemistry
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Zoology and Entomology
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Zoology and Genetics
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Zoology and Microbiology
Requirements for Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences
  • Admission Point: 32
  • Language of instruction: 50%
  • Mathematics: 60%
  • Life Sciences: 60%
  • Physical Sciences: 60%

For more information, please consult the:
2026 Faculty Undergraduate Prospectus
2025 Faculty Rule Book


Applications
Closing date for applications: 30 September
Apply online

Entomology

Undergraduate studies

Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences, with Entomology as first major and Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Zoology, or Botany as the second major.

  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Entomology and Zoology
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Entomology and Biochemistry
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Entomology and Botany
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Entomology and Genetics
  • Bachelor of Science with specialisation in Entomology and Microbiology
Requirements for Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences
  • Admission Point: 32
  • Language of instruction: 50%
  • Mathematics: 60%
  • Life Sciences: 60%
  • Physical Sciences: 60%
Applications

Closing date for applications: 30 September
Apply online

Postgraduate studies

Research and postgraduate training in the Department of Zoology and Entomology are conducted in the following research fields:

  • Animal Behaviour
  • Veterinary and Acaricide Resistance
  • Conservation Ecology
  • Aquatic Ecology and Parasitology
  • Herpetology
  • Arachnology
  • Environmental Entomology
  • Nematology
  • Chemical Ecology
  • Insect-Plant Interactions
  • Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Honours degree programmes
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, majoring in Zoology
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, majoring in Entomology
Requirements

Admission is subject to selection. A minimum of 60% in Zoology or  Entomology (or an equivalent subject) at third-year level (NQF 7).

For more information, please consult the:
2026 Postgraduate Prospectus
ZLGY / ENTO Year Projects 2026
ZLGY / ENTO 2026 Theme Composition
Department of Zoology and Entomology Bursary Opportunities 2026

Applications

Closing dates for applications: 30 October
Apply online

Master's and Doctor of Philosophy degree programmes
  • Master of Science: Research Master's majoring in Zoology and Entomology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, majoring in Zoology and Entomology
Requirements

Admission into MSc and PhD programmes is subject to selection.

Applications

Closing date for applications: No specific date.
Apply online

Programme Director (Academic Enquiries)
Dr Candice Jansen van Rensburg
E: jvrensc@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 9357
General Enquiries
Winnie Mokhethi
E: mokhethinw@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2427/9553
Academic Head of Department
Prof Liesl Van As
E: vanasLL@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 3460

QWAQWA CAMPUS 


Zoology 

Undergraduate studies

  • Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Life Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science majoring in Life Sciences

Requirements for Bachelor of Sciences majoring in Biological sciences

  • Admission points:32
  • Language of instruction: 50% 
  • Mathematics: 60%
  • Life Sciences: 60%

View all undergraduate programmes and admission requirements in the: 

2026 Undergraduate Prospectus
2025 Faculty Rule Book
Closing dates for applications: 30 October
Apply online

Programme Director ( Academic Enquiries)

Dr Pululu Mahasa
E: mahasaPS@ufs.ac.za
T : +27 58 718 5036

General Enquiries

Maria Sithole
E:sitholeMP@ufs.ac.za
T:  +27 58 718 5324

Subject Head of Department

Dr Mpho Ramoejane
E: RamoejaneM1@ufs.ac.za
T:  +27 58 718 5132

 



BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Elfrieda van den Berg (Marketing Manager)
T: +27 51 401 2531
E:vdberge@ufs.ac.za

QWAQWA CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Dilahlwane Mohono (Faculty Officer)
T: +27 58 718 5284
E:naturalscienceqq@ufs.ac.za

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