Program Overview

Marine and Freshwater Biology

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 128 - 120
• Course duration: 4 years
• Available for September start 2025

Course Overview

The MBiol Marine and Freshwater Biology degree at Aberystwyth University is one of only a few nationally to provide you with an integrated catchment to ocean understanding of the biology, ecology and stressors affecting these intimately interconnected ecosystems. This is crucial, given that they support some of the most threatened species and habitats on the planet.

This four-year Integrated Masters offers you the opportunity to combine a BSc with an extra year of study so that you graduate with a Masters-level qualification. The course will develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge of marine and freshwater biology and prepare you to be a subject specialist, with the ability to tackle the global marine and freshwater challenges we face.

Modules

Year 1

• Cell Biology
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
• Microbial and Plant Diversity
• Skills for Wildlife Scientists

Year 2

• Aquatic Botany
• Freshwater Biology
• Marine Biology
• Research Methods

Year 3

• Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Practical Aquatic Conservation
• Research Project

Year 4

• Field and Laboratory Techniques
• Frontiers in the Biosciences
• MBiol Research Project

Careers

The Integrated Masters degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology is designed to develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge, along with the competence and confidence in research methods required to pursue a career as a professional scientist. Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including ecological consultancy, environmental management and conservation, teaching and scientific journalism.

Teaching & Learning

Our course is delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and practicals and residential field courses. You will receive thorough training in the scientific method and concepts relating to the evolution and ecology of natural systems with an emphasis on marine and freshwater environments.

Assessment

You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, dossiers, posters, portfolios, wikis, reflective diaries, literature reviews, magazine articles, field notebooks and exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 128 - 120
• A Levels: ABB-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 points overall with 6 points in Biology at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 75% overall with 7 in a relevant science
• English Language Requirements: See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.