Program Overview

Marine Biology BSc Honours

The Marine Biology degree offers an understanding of all the exciting marine ecosystems on our planet. Students will study the biology of marine life from microbes through to whales, and consider climate change and marine conservation.

Course Overview

• UCAS code: C161
• Full time: 3 years
• Tuition fees (Year 1): Home: Not Set, International: £31,500
• Entry requirements: A-Level: ABB, IB: 32 points
• Quality and ranking: 15th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2026 (Earth and Marine Sciences category), Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026

Modules and Learning

The information below is intended to provide an example of what students will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and students will complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

• Stage 1: Students will cover a broad range of topics to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in Marine Biology.
  • Compulsory Modules: Ecology and Conservation, Marine Biology, Animal Life, The Marine Environment, Skills for the Biosciences
  • Optional Modules: Genetics and Evolution
• Stage 2: Students will develop a deeper understanding of marine ecology and learn how their marine biology skills apply to many different areas.
  • Compulsory Modules: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation, Global Marine Ecology, Oceans and Climate I, Academic and Employability Skills
  • Optional Modules: Evolution and Behaviour, Vertebrate Biology and Ecology, Molecular and Population Genomics, Applied Marine Biology, Marine Fisheries Science
• Stage 3: Students will complete their marine research project either in the UK or overseas and study advanced marine biology and zoology.
  • Compulsory Modules: Global Challenges & Solutions, Marine Biodiversity & Conservation, Global Marine Science, Research Project
  • Optional Modules: Biodiversity Science and Management, Physiological Zoology

Opportunities

• Study abroad: Gain a global perspective, enhance academic profile, and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas.
• Work placement: During the degree, students can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industry placement, in the UK or abroad, to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills, and make industry contacts.

Facilities and Environment

• Facilities: The Ridley 2 Building is the home of Marine Biology and Marine Zoology and is located on our city-centre campus. It's based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.
• Support: We take students' health and wellbeing seriously and are committed to supporting them throughout their studies so they can fulfil their potential at university.

Your Future

• Graduate destinations: Our graduates have a strong reputation in the industry and have secured jobs with Ocean Ecology, Natural Power, BBC Natural History Unit, Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, Environment Agency, and Cefas.
• Industry links: Join our network of confident and successful graduates who have benefitted from our industry links with Marine Management Organisation, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Natural England, Greenpeace, National Trust, BBC Natural History Unit, and Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: ABB including Biology or Human Biology and another science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Psychology, IT, and PE.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points preferably including Biology at Higher Level Grade 6.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test, or other qualifications.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Tuition fees: The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed. International students: £31,500.
• Scholarships: We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.