Program Overview

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Marine Zoology BSc Honours

The Marine Zoology BSc Honours degree offers a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of animals that live in the oceans. This programme is ideal if you are interested in understanding the complex interactions between marine life and their environments. It prepares you for careers in ecology, marine science, and environmental management.

Course Overview

The planet cannot survive without its oceans. Our mission is to nurture and train you as a marine zoologist with the skills to solve global challenges. You’ll explore all marine life, from invertebrates, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals to plants, algae, and bacteria.

You’ll address key challenges of today, including:

• Climate change
• Marine pollution
• Sustainable use of our marine resources
• Loss of marine biodiversity
• Marine conservation

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
• Top 100 for Earth and Marine Sciences - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a chartered scientist and chartered marine scientist.

Modules and Learning

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

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

You’ll cover a broad range of topics to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge in Marine Zoology. This foundation will help you understand more complex challenges and solutions as you progress in your degree.

You will study the form, function, and classification of marine animals. You'll focus on cell biology and genetics, marine ecosystems, and biological oceanography. You'll gain experience through laboratory classes, fieldwork, and time on our research vessel.

• Genetics and Evolution
• Ecology and Conservation
• Marine Biology
• Animal Life
• The Marine Environment
• Skills for the Biosciences

Stage 2

You’ll explore more advanced concepts of marine zoology, including molecular biology and genomics.

You’ll study organisms, from zooplankton to marine mammals and birds.

• Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation
• Global Marine Ecology
• Vertebrate Biology
• Academic and Employability Skills
• Optional modules:
  • Animal Function (Physiology and Development)
  • Evolution and Behaviour
  • Applied Marine Biology
  • Marine Fisheries Science

Stage 3

In your final year, you’ll complete a marine research project. This can take place in the UK or overseas.

As a part of your project, you’ll submit a scientific paper and present your findings to staff and students. This experience is invaluable as writing research papers is a core requirement in the field.

You'll also study advanced marine biology and zoology. These topics will focus on the latest research in the field, including:

• Deep-sea ecology
• DNA meta-barcoding
• Conservation of whale populations
• Physiological Zoology
• Global Marine Science
• Research Project
• Optional modules:
  • Global Challenges & Solutions
  • Marine Biodiversity & Conservation
  • Career Development
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Biodiversity Science and Management

Opportunities

Study Abroad

Gain a global perspective, enhance your 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. Study abroad usually takes place in stage 3 of your studies and extends your degree by one year.

You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:

• Monash University
• University of Hong Kong
• University of Pittsburgh

Work Placement

During your degree, you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industry placement, in the UK or abroad. Your work placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills, and make industry contacts. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team. Work placements usually take place between Stages 2 and 3 and extend your degree by a year.

Facilities and Environment

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.

Located within are ten modern research-ready laboratories with specialist facilities where you’ll gain hands-on experience, including computer-controlled force gauge, molecular biology suits, spectrophotometers, and air-sea gas exchange tanks. We also have our controlled-environment aquaria here.

Our outstanding Marine Science facilities, where you'll study live marine animals, include:

• The Dove Marine Laboratory on the coast, with a live aquarium on-site
• Blyth Marine Station and Research vessel, The Princess Royal, a floating laboratory with activities like oceanographic characterization of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats
• The on-campus Great North Museum with a wide range of important biological collections

Your Future

Our graduates have a strong reputation in the industry. They’ve secured jobs with:

• Ocean Ecology
• Natural Power
• BBC Natural History Unit
• Marine Management Organisation
• Natural England
• Environment Agency
• Cefas

By the end of your course, you’ll have a range of transferable skills that are useful in various careers. Our graduates have built successful careers in fields as diverse as computing and finance.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and we accept a broad range of qualifications.

The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2026 entry.

• A-Level: ABB including Biology or Human Biology and another science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Psychology, IT, and PE. General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded. Chemistry preferred at A/AS Level but not essential. For Biology, Chemistry, and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. Mathematics required at GCSE (minimum grade B or 6).
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points preferably including Biology at Higher Level Grade 6. Chemistry preferred at Higher Level but not essential. Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and Chemistry required at Standard Level grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.

• Qualification: BSc Honours Full-time: 3 years
  • Home students Full-time: 3 years | Tuition fees (Year 1) Not Set
  • International students Full-time: 3 years | Tuition fees (Year 1) £31,500

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.