Program Overview

Marine Biology

Marine Biology is the interdisciplinary study of life in the ocean. At the present time, the position of marine biology graduates has never been as critical to the functioning of our society, economy and environment. Complex issues such as overfishing, pollution and climate change are colliding to bring about extraordinary and sometimes catastrophic changes in marine systems. As a marine biologist you will apply cutting edge technologies to help tackle these issues on a scale from molecules to ecosystems.

Course Highlights

• Royal Society of Biology Accreditation
• World Class Facilities
• Student Experience

Course Structure

• Stage 1: Gives a broad base in the biological sciences on which to build Stage 2 and Stage 3 studies.
• Stage 2: Students undertake a range of compulsory and optional modules.
• Stage 3: Students undertake a two-module research project carried out under the supervision of one or more members of academic staff.
• Stage 4: Students carry out a full-time research project under the supervision of academic staff.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Microbiology
• Environmental Biology
• Molecular Basis of Life
• Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox
• Biodiversity
• World of Microorganisms
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Vertebrate Biology
• Marine Systems
• Applied Genetics
• Coastal and Oceanic Biology
• Applied Ecology
• Cell Biology
• Work Placement
• Applied Ecology with Field Course
• Conservation Biology
• Global Change Biology
• Behavioural Ecology
• Sustainable Oceans
• Research Project
• Research Project (MSci)

Entrance Requirements

• AAB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or + GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• OR AAB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life & Health Sciences + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• OR AAA including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

International Students

• English Language Requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification
• Tuition Fees: £26,600
• Scholarships: Available for international students

Career Prospects

• An Honours degree in Marine Biology offers comprehensive training in one of the most popular environmental disciplines, and good graduates move on to pursue diverse careers at home and abroad.
• Many recent graduates have secured MSc and PhD positions at leading universities in the UK, Republic of Ireland and overseas whilst others work in secondary education or for conservation organisations and government environmental agencies.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award

• The University's Employability and Skills Development Unit can help you to develop a range of skills which are highly valued by employers.
• The Degree Plus Award demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and experience that they are looking for.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £26,600
• International: £26,600

Additional Course Costs

• Year 1 students are required to buy a laboratory coat at a cost of £10 and an E-Book at a cost of £25.
• The following modules have a compulsory field trip: Environmental Biology Module has a fieldtrip costing £150, Coastal and Oceanic Biology has a field trip costing £200.

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00).