Applied Aquatic Biology MSc

Key Information

Study Mode and Duration

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time

Start Date

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

Elevate your career on this Applied Aquatic Biology Master's degree. Learn how to tackle the complex challenges aquatic ecosystems face and foster a deeper understanding of aquatic biology.

Located in the heart of diverse marine ecosystems, you'll engage in independent research projects that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead innovative solutions that make a lasting impact on the future of our aquatic ecosystems.

You'll also benefit from time spent in our Institute of Marine Sciences, which is home to a thriving research environment and some of the best facilities in the country – ranking Portsmouth third of all post-1992 universities in the UK for research power.

Once you graduate, you’ll be set to enter careers in conservation, consultancy, fisheries and further study.

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Course Highlights

• Undertake independent research at the Institute of Marine Sciences
• Learn how to rear coldwater species for restocking programmes, or trial fish food at the Sparsholt College Fishery and Aquatics facilities
• Learn various advanced field and laboratory techniques to assess and monitor aquatic communities and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems
• Gain subject matter expertise in marine conservation and policy, fisheries management and ecotoxicology and pollution
• Learn how to communicate your work to experts and the general public
• Learn from leading international researchers and industry leaders, including environmental consultancies and government bodies

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

UK Qualifications

• A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Applicants may be invited to attend an interview.

Non-UK Qualifications

If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 start)

• UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time)
• EU students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time)
• International students: £19,200 (full-time), £9,600 per year (part-time)

Funding Your Studies

Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.

Loans, Scholarships and Bursaries

Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.

Modules

Full-time

• Year 1: 180 credits

Core

• Aquatic Biology Research Project - 60 credits
• Research Toolkit - 30 credits

Optional

• Applied Tropical Marine Ecology - 30 credits
• Aquaculture - 30 credits
• Ecotoxicology and Pollution - 30 credits
• Fisheries Biology and Management - 30 credits
• Marine Policy, Planning and Conservation - 30 credits
• Science and the Media - 30 credits

Part-time

• Year 1 and Year 2: 180 credits

Core

• Research Toolkit - 30 credits (Year 1)
• Aquatic Biology Research Project - 60 credits (Year 2)

Optional

• Aquaculture - 30 credits
• Ecotoxicology and Pollution - 30 credits
• Fisheries Biology and Management - 30 credits
• Marine Policy, Planning and Conservation - 30 credits
• Science and the Media - 30 credits
• Applied Tropical Marine Ecology - 30 credits

Research Centres and Facilities

Institute of Marine Sciences

Explore the marine ecosystems of the Solent European Marine Site at our shoreside marine station, complete with floating research platform, £2 million aquarium and laboratory suite, and 2 research vessels, RV Calypso and RV Noctiluca.

How You'll Spend Your Time

Full-time

• 37 hours per week

Part-time

• 18 hours per week

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Field trips
• One-to-one tutorials

Assessment

• Coursework
• Presentations
• Final year project

Career Development

Careers This Master's Prepares You For

Most of our successful applied aquatic biology Master's graduates go on to work in environmental consulting, fisheries and marine conservation.

Graduates of This Course Have Gone On To

• Aquatic living resources management
• Marine NGOs
• Private sector consultancy
• Government-based research
• Conservation
• Teaching
• Further study or academic research
• Scientific journalism

Graduates of This Course Have Gone On To Work For Companies Such As

• Scottish Sea Farms
• Benthic Solutions Ltd
• North Somerset Council

Supporting You

Personal Tutor

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.

Learning Support Tutors

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

Laboratory Support

All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.

Academic Skills Tutors (AST)

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

Disability Advice and Additional Support

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

Library Support

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

Mathematics and Stats Support

The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.

Support with English

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

University of Portsmouth

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Overview:

University of Portsmouth is a public research university located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to providing students with a supportive and engaging campus experience.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

A variety of accommodation options are available, including halls of residence and private apartments.

Careers and Employment:

Dedicated support services help students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.

Guidance and Support:

Students have access to academic advisors, mental health services, and other support resources.

Student Life:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs, societies, and events to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at University of Portsmouth can expect a lively and supportive campus environment. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, meet new people, and develop their skills. The city of Portsmouth itself provides a diverse and exciting backdrop for student life, with its historic waterfront, vibrant nightlife, and numerous cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Connected Degrees:

The university offers a unique program called Connected Degrees, which allows students to combine a three-year degree with a fourth-year placement, providing them with valuable work experience and career readiness.

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many courses incorporating real-world projects and industry partnerships.

Supportive Environment:

The university provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students, with dedicated staff and resources available to help them succeed.

Location:

Portsmouth is a vibrant and affordable city with easy access to London and other major cities.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English Literature, History, Creative Writing, Music, Art, and Design.

Science and Technology:

Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, and Accounting.

Health and Social Care:

Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, and Psychology.