Program Overview

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Marine Biology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our Marine Biology BSc course offers a comprehensive study of marine ecosystems, exploring the diversity of life in the oceans and the complex interactions that sustain marine environments. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our degree empowers you to develop crucial skills for addressing real-world challenges. Combine theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork and laboratory research and gain a deep understanding of marine organisms, their behaviour, physiology, and ecological roles.

Study Options

• Full-Time, Part-Time (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester

Level

• Undergraduate

UCAS Code

• C160

UCAS Points

• 112

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 3-6 years

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)

Course Leader

• Dr Nick Fleming

Available with:

• Foundation Year

Accreditations

• Royal Society of Biology

Course Summary

Our Marine Biology BSc course offers a comprehensive study of marine ecosystems, exploring the diversity of life in the oceans and the complex interactions that sustain marine environments. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our degree empowers you to develop crucial skills for addressing real-world challenges. Combine theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork and laboratory research and gain a deep understanding of marine organisms, their behaviour, physiology, and ecological roles.

Why You'll Love It

• Study Abroad: Almost all our courses offer the opportunity to study abroad, and there’s no need to learn a language.
• Study within an internationally significant Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Located near the Dee Estuary, which features the internationally significant Dee Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and Dee Estuary/Aber Dyfrdwy Special Area of Conservation (SAC), providing a fantastic natural laboratory within which to study.
• Gain hands-on experience via coastal and marine habitat field trips: Participate in field trips to coastal and marine habitats, gaining hands-on experience in sampling and survey design, species identification, and ecological assessment.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Science of Life (40 Credits) Core: In this module, you will learn the essential concepts and skills that form the backbone of a degree in biological sciences.
• Exploring and Researching Life Sciences (40 Credits) Core: In this module, you will explore the fundamentals of scientific research, including how to develop research questions, work with relevant literature, understand basic statistical concepts and communicate research findings.
• Global Biodiversity (20 Credits) Core: This module is designed to introduce you to the major mechanisms of diversity of life on Earth.
• Project Based Learning in Biosciences (20 Credits) Optional: This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to gain further practical skills and develop your own projects.

Year 2

• Adaptations to the Environment (20 Credits) Core: This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of, and appreciation for, how animals adapt to the varied environments in which they live.
• Behavioural Ecology (20 Credits) Core: Behavioural Ecology builds on theory and practical skills introduced at level 4.
• Blue Frontiers: Exploring Ocean Ecology (40 Credits) Core: This module explores the interaction between organisms within ocean environments and the physical and chemical processes that govern them.
• Work Placement - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional: In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a structured, university-level work placement.
• Experiential Learning - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional: In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a range of experiential activities.

Year 3

• Biological Enterprise (20 Credits) Core: This module provides a broader perspective on your course, equipping you with the knowledge and skills essential for success in your chosen career.
• Applied Conservation (20 Credits) Core: In this module you will cover a broad range of conservation theories and techniques and how they can be used and applied to conservation management of wild animals.
• Future Seas: Managing Oceans in the Anthropocene (20 Credits) Core: This module considers the strategies and challenges involved in managing oceans within the context of the Anthropocene.
• Natural Sciences Dissertation (40 Credits) Core: In this module, you will engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to your course.
• Reefs, Roots & Meadows: Discovering Tropical Marine Ecosystems (20 Credits) Core: Dive into the vibrant and dynamic world of tropical marine ecosystems!

How You'll Learn

• Most teaching will take place in classrooms and lecture theatres
• You will be assessed via coursework and examinations
• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • UCAS points: 112
  • GCE A Level: Typical offer - BCC/BBC Must include A Level: Biology or Applied Science
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Marine Biology/Applied Science/Animal Management): DMM
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points including 5 in HL Biology
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 including Biology Scottish Highers - BBBB including Biology
  • T Level: T Level Science - Merit
  • OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
  • Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.
• International Students:
  • UCAS points: 72
  • GCE A Level: 72 points overall, including grade D in A level Biology or Applied Science
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Marine Biology/Applied Science/Animal Management): MMP
  • T Level: T Level (Science): Pass (D or E on the core)
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - H4 H4 H4 H4 H4, including Biology Scottish Highers - CCDD including Biology
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points, including 4 in HL Biology
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Pass overall
  • OCR: OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP
  • Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)
• Additional Costs:
  • All students carrying out laboratory work will be required to purchase a lab induction pack with a lab coat and other required equipment. The current price is £30.00, but this may be subject to price increases depending on purchase costs. Second-hand packs at a slightly lower price are subject to availability.
  • Please note that your course runs a compulsory residential field trip in the second year for which you are asked to contribute £100.
  • If you choose Optional modules that include travel overseas you will be responsible for the full cost of the trip. In the past, this has been between £2,000 and £3,000 for a two-week overseas trip, but future costs may vary due to global price fluctuations. The University will endeavour to revise the expected estimation of costs on an annual basis.
  • You can opt to take part in the Welcome Week trip which will involve a contribution of £10.
  • You should also consider having waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots. The quality and cost of these are at your discretion but must be suitable for fieldwork/trips in the UK in the winter months.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Nick Fleming: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Jo Beukers-stewart: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Simon Oliver: Associate Professor & Programme Leader MSc Marine and Coastal Resource Management

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Your Future Career

• Our graduates are well equipped with both transferable skills and the specific skills required for a career in marine biology (perhaps in wildlife conservation, fisheries or marine habitat restoration) or a broader career (policy making, NGO or scientific journalism).
• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.