BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £18,300/year: international students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Marine biologists are the first line of defence for our blue planet and are crucial to enhancing the ecology and environment of our oceans.
This BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), will give you the skills you need to play your part.
With conservation projects and world-class facilities on our doorstep, Portsmouth is the perfect place to begin a career as a marine scientist.
Course highlights
- Work on active conservation projects – such as the Solent Oyster Restoration Project, the Solent BioHut project, the Isle of Wight UNESCO Marine Biosphere, and the Solent Seagrass Restoration Project – to gain first-hand experience in marine conservation
- Access the Solent European Marine Site with its wide range of environments through the Institute of Marine Sciences, our internationally renowned shoreside marine station
- Have the chance to go on a marine ecology field trip to Mexico, where you can work to preserve the mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coral reefs
- 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
- Build experience on a one-year work placement, study abroad at one of our partner universities, and learn powerboating with the Royal Yacht Association (RYA) or PADI-certified scientific and technical diving
Accredited by:
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
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Admissions
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Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Biodiversity and Evolution – 20 credits
- Experimental Biology – 20 credits
- Graduate Employability Skills – 20 credits
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography – 20 credits
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry – 20 credits
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology – 20 credits
There are no optional modules this year.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Animal Adaptations – 20 credits
- Level 5 Tutorial Programme – 0 credits
- Community Ecology and Residential Field Course – 20 credits
- Marine Research Skills – 20 credits
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Genetics – 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Microbiology – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Oceanography – 20 credits
- Practical Boating Skills – 20 credits
- Plant Diversity, Development and Evolution – 20 credits
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques A – 20 credits
Placement year (optional)
In this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Fisheries and Aquaculture – 20 credits
- Honours Project – 40 credits
- Marine Ecology and Conservation – 20 credits
- Marine Ecophysiology – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Climate Change – 20 credits
- Environmental Microbiology – 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, although our coastal location means there are many placement opportunities nearby.
Our partners include commercial, research and non-profit organisations such as:
- Maidenhead Aquatics
- Field Studies Council
- ORCA
- Blue Marine Foundation
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Study abroad
You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities. Studying overseas is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your CV and experience a different culture as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying abroad as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Career Opportunities
Marine biology is the study of the organisms, plants and animals that make up the world's saltwater ecosystems. It's a vital area of science when it comes to protecting our oceans and seas - marine biologists aim to better understand marine environments and to investigate the factors that alter marine ecosystems, both natural and man-made.
In this BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree, you'll learn about a wide array of marine organisms, from phytoplankton to cetaceans, and how to protect the oceans and their delicate ecosystems against the growing threats of climate change, habitat destruction and resource exploitation.
You’ll conduct fieldwork in a range of intertidal habitats, including rocky shores, estuaries, saltmarsh and mangroves, and become an expert in diverse and rich marine ecosystems, from coral reefs to the deep sea.
When you graduate, you'll be ready for a career in a range of marine science areas, such as conservation, resource management and aquaculture, or to pursue academic research, lab work, fieldwork or policy making.
You could also continue your studies at the postgraduate level. Many graduates go on to study MRes Science or MSc Applied Aquatic Biology.
Memberships
You'll also be able to apply to be a Registered Marine Scientist, and you'll meet some of the academic requirements to become a Chartered Marine Scientist. And you'll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, which includes access to exclusive grants and awards.
What areas can you work in 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
- marine policy
- marine resource management
Graduate roles
Roles previous graduates have gone on to do include:
- lab analyst
- field technician
- agriculture supervisor
- radioactive chemist
- extraction scientist
- day yacht skipper
- watersports instructor
- biology teacher
Ongoing careers support
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
Facilities
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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