Program Overview

Marine Biology with Professional Studies

Overview

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 Structure

• Introduction: You will be taught by a team of international researchers with diverse expertise ranging from marine microbes (that constitute 50% of the biomass in the oceans) through to hydrothermal vents and the migration of oceanic megafauna (e.g. sea turtles and sharks).
• Stage 1: Gives a broad base in the biological sciences on which to build Stage 2 and Stage 3 studies.
• Stage 2: Marine Biology with Professional Studies students will complete a one year, degree related work placement.
• Stage 3: During their final year, students undertake a two-module research project carried out under the supervision of one or more members of academic staff.
• Year Out (Professional Studies): All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work.

People teaching you

• Dr Jonathan Houghton, Programme Director

Contact Teaching Hours

• Large Group Teaching: 12 (hours maximum)
• Personal Study: 28 (hours maximum)

Learning and Teaching

• On the BSc in Marine Biology with Professional Studies we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning.
• Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
  • E-Learning technologies
  • Lectures
  • Personal tutoring
  • Practicals
  • Self-directed study
  • Seminars/tutorials
  • Supervised projects
  • Work placements
  • Work-related learning in the form of field trips and study tours.

Assessment

• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning outcomes of each module.
• Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback

• As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers.
• Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including:
  • Formal written comments
  • Face to face comments
  • Placement employer comments or references
  • Online or emailed feedback
  • Pre-submission advice
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes
  • Others

Modules

Core Modules

• Fundamentals of Microbiology: Provides a practical and theoretical introduction to the biology of microorganisms.
• Environmental Biology: Provides an introduction to the core concepts of ecology and the practical applications of environmental science and conservation.
• Molecular Basis of Life: Provides a comprehensive introduction to the molecular basis of life from the molecular level through to cells, tissues, and whole organisms.
• Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox: Provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts of Genetics from fundamental to applied.
• Biodiversity: Provides a fundamental introduction to the diversity in form, function and biology of eukaryotic organisms.
• World of Microorganisms: Explores microbial interactions examining their role in food, health and the environment.
• Comparative Animal Physiology: Provides an introduction to the structure and function of the major organ systems, their interrelationships and adaptations to the environment.
• Vertebrate Biology: Investigates the biology of vertebrate taxa (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals).
• Marine Systems: Provides a fundamental introduction to marine ecology with a focus on the processes that shape marine ecosystems.
• Applied Genetics: Covers Darwinian and non-Darwinian theories of evolution, revision of Basic Genetic Concepts and Terminology, and integration of Population Genetics and Evolution.
• Coastal and Oceanic Biology: Provides a fundamental introduction to marine ecology with a focus on the processes that shape marine ecosystems.
• Professional Studies: Allows students to complete a one year, degree related work placement.
• Conservation Biology: Provides an awareness of conservation issues worldwide, and builds an understanding of the different approaches that exist to approach these issues.
• Global Change Biology: Provides a deeper understanding of the linkages between global change and biological systems.
• Behavioural Ecology: Examines the manner in which natural selection acts to maintain or change animal behaviour and social organisation.
• Sustainable Oceans: Develops a high critical judgement and confident grasp of fisheries management, deep-sea exploration, energy from the oceans, and contemporary skills in animal tracking.
• Research Project: Allows students to complete an independent piece of research that is allied to their programme pathway, employment aspirations and specific academic interests.

Optional Modules

• Applied Ecology: Builds on Level 1 Environmental Biology and Environmental Sciences with respect to a series of topics in applied aspects of ecology.
• Applied Ecology with Field Course: Provides further practical experience in field ecology methods and an appreciation of how human activities have influenced local, regional and global populations and communities of biological species.
• Cell Biology: Provides a detailed coverage of cell structure and function from the perspective of individual organelles and their interactions.

Entrance requirements

• A level requirements: BBB 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.
• Irish leaving certificate requirements: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics.
• Access Course: Successful completion of a relevant Science based Access Course (120 credits) with an average of 80% and no less than 70% in any module.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred) or Mathematics or Physics or Geography + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

International Students

• Applying through UCAS: Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's.
• Applying direct: The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application.
• Applying through agents and partners: The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application.

Tuition Fees

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

Additional course costs

• Year 1 students: £10 for a laboratory coat and £25 for an E-Book.
• Field trips: £150 for Environmental Biology Module and £200 for Coastal and Oceanic Biology Module.
• Placement: Students are responsible for funding the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence associated with the placement.

Career Prospects

• Introduction: 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.
• Degree Plus/Future Ready Award: In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.

How to Apply

• Application for admission: Should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Advisory closing date: Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00).
• International students: Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2026.