Program Overview

Biology - Marine Biology Conversion Programme

Course Fact File

• Code: PCMBY
• Duration: 6 Months Part-time
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: See Fees and Costs for full details
• Closing Date: This course is now closed for applications
• Non-EU Closing Date: This course is now closed for applications
• Start Date: 8 September 2025

Course Outline

The Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (Conversion Programme) is a six-month part-time programme running from September to March for graduates from non-biological or environmental disciplines unable to meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto the MSc in Marine Biology programme.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (NFQ Level 9, Minor award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Describe key marine flora and fauna, the marine environment and its biological and physical properties and processes
• Define the roles of management and conservation across the marine environment
• Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in this course in the working environment enabling the development of policy

Course Structure

Students take four taught modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:

• BL6012 Marine Megafauna (10 credits)
• BL6016 Marine Ecology and Conservation (10 Credits)
• BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
• BL6026 Introductory Quantitative Skills for Biologists using R

Course Practicalities

This part-time 30 credit programme will run from September to the end of March. Two modules (BL6012 and BL6016) will run from September to December with examinations in December and two modules (BL6019 and BL6026) will run until the end of February.

Why Choose This Course

As well as a number of professionally certified courses that will be provided throughout the course, students will also gain a variety of technical skills associated with research and computer skills (GIS in particular). Many transferable skills are also fostered through different learning approaches, including critical thinking, problem-solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, independent research, and time management.

Requirements

• Candidates must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline.

Fees and Costs

• Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
• See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
• Deposits
• If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
• Fee payment
• Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
• How can I pay?
• See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
• Please note there is a €500 non-refundable deposit payable on acceptance for this programme.