Program Overview

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Marine Biology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Overview

Marine Biology with a Foundation Year is a 4-year undergraduate degree that includes an integrated Foundation Year. This program is designed for students who don't quite have the grades needed to enter the BSc Marine Biology program. The Foundation Year provides an introduction to key themes of study and opportunities to develop new study skills.

Course Details

• UCAS Code: C16F
• Mode of Study: Campus Based
• Typical Offer: CDD - DDD
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Start Date: September 2026
• Tuition Fees: ｣9,535 (UK), ｣23,100 (International)

Modules

The program consists of the following modules:

Year 0 (Level 3)

• Foundational Scientific Skills
• Foundation Biology
• Elementary Chemistry
• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (January-June, 20 credits, BIO016, TB2, compulsory for progression to Year 1 of Biosciences programmes, excluding Biology with Foundation Year and Zoology with Foundation Year, where it is optional but recommended for students without A-level Chemistry or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or Biology with a significant Chemistry component, and for students who have not studied Chemistry for some time and wish to refresh their knowledge of the subject prior to commencing their studies in Year 1 of the Biosciences programmes, excluding Biology with Foundation Year and Zoology with Foundation Year, where it is compulsory for students without A-level Chemistry or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or Biology with a significant Chemistry component, and for students who have not studied Chemistry for some time and wish to refresh their knowledge of the subject prior to commencing their studies in Year 1 of the Biosciences programmes, excluding Biology with Foundation Year and Zoology with Foundation Year, where it is optional but recommended for students without A-level Chemistry or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or Biology with a significant Chemistry component, and for students who have not studied Chemistry for some time and wish to refresh their knowledge of the subject prior to commencing their studies in Year 1 of the Biosciences programmes, excluding Biology with Foundation Year and Zoology with Foundation Year)
• Techniques in Ecology and Biogeography
• Foundation Physical and Environmental Geography

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Marine Invertebrates
  • Boat Based Marine Biology
  • Ecological Data Analysis
  • Marine Biology Field Course
  • Ichthyology
  • Oceanography
• Optional Modules:
  • Professional Development and Careers Planning
  • Molecular Ecology
  • Tetrapod Evolution
  • Entomology
  • Ecological Microbiology and the Cycles of Life
  • Year 2 Biological Sciences Literature Review
  • Adolygiad Llenyddiaeth Bl 2

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Biosciences Research Project
• Optional Modules:
  • Professional Laboratory Skills
  • Professional Skills in Marine Biology
  • Tropical marine ecology field course
  • Tropical marine ecology and conservation
  • Ecology of Marine Megafauna
  • Climate Change Biology
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Advanced Data Analysis
  • Macroevolution and Phylogenies
  • Science Communication with Placement
  • Movement ecology
  • Sensory Ecology
  • Natural Products Biotechnology
  • Animal behaviour - from individuals to groups

Entry Requirements

• A level (or equivalent) typical offer: CDD - DDD
• BTEC: DMM in a subject including Animal Management, Health Science, Land and Wildlife management
• UK Access: 27 Merits in Science, including all Biology modules at Level 3
• T Levels: Distinction and grade B/6 in GCSE Science/Biology
• Mixed Qualifications: 96 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest qualifications, to include 40 UCAS tariff points in relevant subject
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points and grade B/6 GCSE Science/Biology

How You're Taught

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, including laboratory work and field courses.

Welsh Provision

Some provision is available for Welsh speakers to study through the medium of Welsh.

Professional Body Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are active researchers in their fields.

Tuition Fees

• UK: ｣9,535
• International: ｣23,100

Funding and Scholarships

Various scholarships and bursaries are available to support your study.

Additional Costs

You may face additional costs for travel, printing, and equipment.

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team will support you in your career journey, helping you build a bright future.

Academic Support

The Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops, and one-to-one support to help you succeed in your studies.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

You may have the opportunity to study abroad or participate in international summer programs.

How to Apply

You can apply through UCAS or directly to the university.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline is typically in January, but it's recommended to apply as early as possible.

Additional Information

The program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in marine biology, with a focus on practical skills and fieldwork. You will have the opportunity to participate in field courses and research projects, and to develop your skills in areas such as ecological data analysis and science communication.