About this program
BSc Marine Biology
Our oceans are under threat, so there's never been a greater need for experts in marine biology. Do you have the ambition to combat the challenges facing this diverse environment and play an active and positive role in understanding and protecting marine biodiversity and the future of our oceans?
On this BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree course, you'll learn the practical, theoretical and professional skills to start a career as a marine biologist.
You'll develop your knowledge of marine organisms, from phytoplankton to cetaceans, as well as how to protect the oceans and their delicate ecosystems against the growing threats of climate change, habitat destruction and resource exploitation. All at a university that's been carrying out marine biological research for more than 70 years.
Admission requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120–128 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from A level Biology Applicants will normally need to pass the separate Science Practical Endorsement (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 27
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Learn moreProgram content
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Biodiversity and Evolution
- Experimental Biology
- Graduate Skills
- Introduction to Cell Biology & Biochemistry
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology
There are no optional modules in this year.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Animal Science
- Community Ecology and Residential Field Course
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems
- Marine Research Skills
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Genetics
- Introduction to Teaching
- Microbiology
- Oceanography
- Plant Science
- Practical Boating Skills
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Marine Ecology and Conservation
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Marine Ecophysiology
- 3rd year research project
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Global climate change in Marine Systems
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years sandwich with work placement
Tuition
- UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,250 per year
- International students: £17,600 per year
Qualification
On this course you'll:
- Conduct fieldwork in a range of intertidal habitats, including rocky shores, estuaries, saltmarsh and mangroves
- Be based in the heart of the internationally important Solent European Marine Site
- Learn from researchers who are members of the Institute of Marine Sciences, with expertise in subject areas such as ocean acidification, plastic pollution and cetacean behaviour
- Learn to drive a powerboat, scuba dive and conduct research in a tropical environment
- Get practical marine skills on our research vessels, including a large experimental raft, a 6-metre high-speed shallow draft launch for inshore work and a suite of sampling systems including dredges, grabs and nets
- Use our laboratory facilities, state of the art microscopes, experimental research platform and aquatic centre to explore marine ecosystems and study marine organisms
- Have the opportunity to learn a language and earn credit towards your degree as part of the University's Institution-Wide Language Programme
You can also:
- Experience research and fieldwork overseas including the option to study seagrass, coral reef and mangrove ecology
- Get involved in local research projects such as the Solent Native Oyster Regeneration Project
- Spend time studying abroad at one of our partner institutions
Career paths
When you finish the course, you can apply to be a Registered Marine Scientist. You'll also meet some of the academic requirements to become a Chartered Marine Scientist.
What can you do with a Marine Biology degree?
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in:
- post-graduate research
- coastal zone management
- environmental toxicology
- marine conservation
- aquaculture industry
- marine policy
- marine resource management
Message the school
About this institute
University of Portsmouth
Join us at the UK's only island-city! At Portsmouth, we have five faculties: Business and Law, Science, Creative and Cultural Industries, Humanities, and Technology. Our highest ranking courses are in the field of Biology, but we also have a long...
Why study at University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth is consistently within the top-ranked institutions in the UK for student satisfaction, which is reflected in the teaching quality, but also the experience that students enjoy with us.
Students can live a few minutes' walk away from their faculty buildings on campus, with only a 5-10 min walk to the seaside.
The cost of living and accommodation in Portsmouth are significantly lower than in the larger cities in the UK, meaning you'll be able to live more comfortably here. The city is so compact that you don't need to take any public transport and most students/lecturers get around by bike.
The city has a population of around 200,000 and over 10% of this is made up of our student population. We have 5,000 students from overseas on campus.
Contact info
University of Portsmouth
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