Since 1828, the collection has been a vital resource supporting research, teaching innovation and scientific advancement and continues to transform how knowledge is created and shared.
The Grant Museum of Zoology has been used by students in teaching and research since 1828. The collection continues to be a key, unique part of the UCL student experience in object-based learning, for use in research projects, in extra-curricular activities, for placements and more.
Museum staff co-develop modules with academic colleagues, matching objects to course themes or outcomes demonstrating leadership in interdisciplinary pedagogical innovation. This collaborative work is the benchmark for object-based teaching in the UK and provides a distinctly valuable experience for UCL students.
Within this guide:
Higher education and research
The Grant Museum of Zoology is an excellent resource for university groups who wish for use material for teaching practicals. Each year, approximately 3,000 university students make use of the collection in module-based teaching.
Enquiries from academics and course leaders who wish to gain access to the collection for study or to develop a teaching practical are very welcome.
Contact us at museums@ucl.ac.uk
Further education and lifelong learning
The collection supports A-Level Biology syllabuses and the new GCSE in Natural History. We welcome bookings for groups at this stage of education with hands-on activities based on topics of their choice. We are also available to special interest groups and lifelong learners.
Family learning
At the Grant Museum of Zoology we know that there is much to be gained from getting hands-on with specimens, no matter what your age. We organise a programme of drop-in events for families on set dates during school holidays and on some weekends in term time. See our events pages to keep up to date with what we've got going on or sign up to our mailing list.
School visit
The Grant Museum welcomes visits from school and education groups. Prebooking is essential and can be arranged by contacting museums@ucl.ac.uk. School slots are available, subject to availability.
Please note a maximum group size of 20 is applicable during afternoon visit slots.
School groups will normally have exclusive use of the museum during morning visit slots with members of the public present in the space during afternoons. All school visits are self-guided and free of charge.
Key Stage 2 Science topics that a self-guided visit to the museum may help support include:
- Bones and skeletons
- Teeth, eating and diet
- Grouping and classification
- Adaptions and evolution