Program Overview

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Marine Biology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Marine biologists are the first line of defence for our blue planet, and are crucial to enhance the ecology and environment of our oceans. This BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), will give you the skills you need to play your part.

With conservation projects and world-class facilities on our doorstep, Portsmouth is the perfect place to begin a career as a marine scientist.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

C160

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Typical Offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 UCAS points from A level Biology.

Study Mode and Duration

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich with work placement

Start Date

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

Marine biologists are the first line of defence for our blue planet, and are crucial to enhance the ecology and environment of our oceans. This BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), will give you the skills you need to play your part.

With conservation projects and world-class facilities on our doorstep, Portsmouth is the perfect place to begin a career as a marine scientist.

Course Highlights

• Work on active conservation projects to gain first-hand experience of marine conservation
• Access the Solent European Marine Site with its wide range of environments through the Institute of Marine Sciences, our internationally renowned shoreside marine station
• Have the chance to go on a marine field trip abroad, where you can explore exotic, unique and diverse ecosystems
• Get practical marine skills on our research vessels, including a large experimental raft, a 6-metre high-speed shallow draft launch for inshore work and a suite of sampling systems including dredges, grabs and nets
• Build experience on a one-year work placement, study abroad at one of our partner universities, and learn powerboating with the Royal Yacht Association (RYA) or PADI-certified scientific and technical diving

Accredited by:

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (September 2025 start)

• A levels - BBB-BBC
• UCAS points - 112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from A level Biology
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
• International Baccalaureate - 25

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

You'll spend plenty of time at our industry-leading marine station, the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), located just metres from the sea and the Solent European Marine Site.

• Floating research platform
• RV Calypso and RV Noctiluca
• Aquatic centre and lab suite

Careers and Opportunities

Marine biology is the study of the organisms, plants and animals that make up the world's saltwater ecosystems. It's a vital area of science when it comes to protecting our oceans and seas - marine biologists aim to better understand marine environments and to investigate the factors that alter marine ecosystems, both natural and man-made.

On this BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree, you'll learn about a wide array of marine organisms, from phytoplankton to cetaceans, and how to protect the oceans and their delicate ecosystems against the growing threats of climate change, habitat destruction and resource exploitation.

You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level. Many graduates go on to study MRes Science or MSc Applied Aquatic Biology.

Modules

Year 1

• Biodiversity and Evolution - 20 credits
• Experimental Biology - 20 credits
• Graduate Employability Skills - 20 credits
• Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry - 20 credits
• Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography - 20 credits
• Microbiology and Molecular Biology - 20 credits

Year 2

• Marine and Terrestrial Field Ecology - 20 credits
• Marine Organisms and Ecosystems - 20 credits
• Research Skills - 20 credits

Year 3

• Fisheries and Aquaculture - 20 credits
• Marine Ecology and Conservation - 20 credits
• Marine Ecophysiology - 20 credits
• Research Project - 40 credits

How You'll Spend Your Time

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Marine Biology degree. In your first year, you'll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and external visits for about 11 hours a week.

Supporting You

• Personal tutor
• Learning support tutors
• Academic skills support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support
• Support with English

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students - £9,535 per year
• EU students - £9,535 a year
• International students - £19,200 per year

Additional Course Costs

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Fieldwork
• Diving modules
• Teaching at the Institute of Marine Sciences
• Placement year and study abroad tuition fees

Apply

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code - C160
• our institution code - P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

Apply direct for September 2025 entry.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

International and EU Students

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you'll need to consider a few extra things.

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.