Program Overview

Queen's University Belfast

Marine Biology

Overview

Marine Biology is the interdisciplinary study of life in the ocean. 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

The course content is designed to blend strong training in marine biology with core skills in the biosciences, ranging from physiology and genetics through to conservation biology and global climate change. This broad-based approach allows graduates to explore a range of career opportunities within the biological sciences, as well as within the field of marine biology.

Stage 1

• Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
• Environmental Biology (20 credits)
• Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
• Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
• Biodiversity (20 credits)
• World of Microorganisms (20 credits)

Stage 2

• Comparative Animal Physiology (20 credits)
• Vertebrate Biology (20 credits)
• Marine Systems (20 credits)
• Applied Genetics (20 credits)
• Coastal and Oceanic Biology (20 credits)

Stage 3

• Conservation Biology (20 credits)
• Global Change Biology (20 credits)
• Behavioural Ecology (20 credits)
• Sustainable Oceans (20 credits)
• Research Project (40 credits)

People Teaching You

• Dr. Jonathon Houghton

Contact Teaching Hours

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

Learning and Teaching

• 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

• Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook

Feedback

• General and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources
• Feedback may be provided 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, and others

Career Prospects

• An Honours degree in Marine Biology offers comprehensive training in one of the most popular environmental disciplines
• 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
• Others work in secondary education or for conservation organisations and government environmental agencies

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award

• The University's employability scheme, Degree Plus, rewards the development of skills and experience outside the academic curriculum
• Students can earn a Degree Plus award by taking part in extracurricular activities, such as volunteering, mentoring, or language courses
• The award is a great way to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and experience 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: £150
  • Coastal and Oceanic Biology Module: £200
  • Applied Ecology with Field Course Module: £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

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study
• Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS
• Applying direct
• Applying through agents and partners
• International Scholarships
• English Language Requirements
• Tuition Fees
• How to Fund Your Study
• Scholarships
• International Student Support

Module Details

• 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

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the modules available in the Marine Biology program at Queen's University Belfast. For a complete list of modules, please refer to the university's website or contact the university directly.