Program Overview

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Marine Biology with Foundation Year

Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of marine biology, covering topics such as marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation. The foundation year is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the natural sciences, with modules on biological principles, data handling, and scientific methods.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time
• With placement
• Part-time

Course Duration

• Four years
• Five years
• Eight years

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

The Marine Biology with Foundation Year course is designed to provide a strong foundation in biology and environmental issues, allowing students to progress onto a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree course. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

You Will:

• Gain a broad, basic knowledge of biological principles to prepare you for more advanced study
• Develop problem-solving, practical, and communication skills

Placement Options

• Available

This Course is for You If...

• You want an excellent route into science for those from a non-scientific background
• You are returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction
• You didn't meet the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

Course Modules

Foundation Year

• Biological Principles
• Scientific Methods
• Data Handling
• Professional Communications
• Science for Health
• Environmental Conservation

Year One

• Introduction to Marine Biology
• Global Distribution of Wildlife
• Biodiversity
• Genes to Ecosystems
• Biological Skills
• Study Skills for Marine Biology

Year Two

• Ocean Challenges
• Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)
• Conservation Biology
• Coastal Management
• Research Skills
• Data Science

Year Three

• Fisheries Science
• Marine Biotechnology
• Applied Aquatic Biology
• Choose one option from:
  • Final Year Project and Professional Skills
  • Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)
• Plus one option from:
  • Environmental Geographical Information Systems
  • Diving for Marine Conservation
  • Mitigating Climate Change

What You Will Be Doing

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars and tutorials
• Laboratory practicals

Assessment

• Coursework and examination
• Research projects
• Laboratory reports
• Essays
• Literature reviews
• Data analysis
• Presentations

Facilities

• Advanced, integrated teaching laboratory (Bodmer Lab)

Industry Collaboration and Research

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in bioscience issues and challenges

Employment and Stats

Employment

• Marine biologist
• Ecologist
• Fisheries officer
• Marine scientist
• Oceanographer
• Water quality scientist

Further Study

• Biomedical Science (MSc)
• Biotechnology (MSc)
• Drug Design and Discovery (MSc)
• Wildlife Conservation (MSc)

Requirements

International Applicants

• This course is not suitable for international students

Applicant Profile

• Interested in the study of the marine environment and processes, its biodiversity, challenges faced, and management

English Language Requirements

• IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5)

Standard Entry Requirements

• UCAS tariff points: 64
• A level: 64 UCAS points
• BTEC National Diploma: MPP
• T Level: Pass grade in T Level Science
• Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points from Higher Level
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points from Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: Completion of two full years study and an awarded qualification
• Access to Higher Education: 64 UCAS points from QAA approved access course
• GCSE: English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years
• Part-time: Part-time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional Costs

• Books, stationery, printing, binding, and general sustenance on trips and visits
• Field trips: All national field trips are funded by the university, but you may need to consider additional costs such as food during day trips and spending money
• International field trip: You will also be subsidised by the university, but a major contribution to flights and in-country costs will apply

Apply Now

• Enrolment dates: September 2025, September 2026
• Student information: Terms and conditions
• UCAS information: Course ID C163, Institution S03

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) Zoology with Foundation Year
• BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation Year
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

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