Marine Biology BSc Honours
Newcastle University Undergraduate programs
Key Information
Campus location
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 26,400 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* international students; GBP 9,250 - home students
Introduction
The planet cannot survive without its oceans. Our mission is to nurture and train you as a marine biologist with the skills to solve global challenges. You’ll enjoy a unique experience at Newcastle University and develop the skills and knowledge for a successful career.
A career in Marine Biology is perfect if you are passionate about the environment, love the ocean, want to make a difference in the world and are driven to stand out in a competitive industry.
You will address key challenges of today including:
- loss of marine biodiversity
- marine conservation
- climate change
- marine pollution
- sustainable use of our marine resources
You’ll explore all marine life, from invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals to plants, algae and bacteria. You’ll also investigate the chemical and physical properties of the world’s oceans and their impact on marine life.
You'll have access to outstanding facilities. You’ll be out at sea on our research vessel, Princess Royal and conducting practical workshops at our coastal laboratory, the Dove Marine Laboratory. You’ll investigate out in the field and analyse findings in the lab, putting theory into practice.
Professional accreditation and recognition
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
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.
Work placement
Get career ready with work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Rankings
- Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
- Top 150 for Earth and Marine Sciences - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- 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
- 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
- Global Top 140 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Curriculum
Stage 1
You’ll cover a broad range of topics to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge in Marine Biology. This foundation will help you understand more complex challenges and solutions as you progress in your degree.
You'll also be introduced to standard laboratory procedures, experimental design, sampling methods, field observations, and recording scientific information.
Compulsory Modules
- Marine Biology 20
- Diversity of Marine Animals 20
- The Marine Environment 20
- Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences 20
- Marine Practical Skills 1 20
Optional Modules
- Genetics and Evolution 20
- Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers 20
Stage 2
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of marine ecology. You’ll learn how your skills in marine biology apply to a range of contexts, including industrial, biotechnology and food production.
You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through practical workshops, field trips and a residential field course. You’ll also develop your future employability with modules such as Marine Research and Employability Skills, as well as Marine Practical Skills.
Compulsory Modules
- Ecology of Marine Systems 20
- Applied Marine Biology 20
- Oceans and Climate I 20
- Research and Employability Skills 20
- Marine Practical Skills II 20
- Optional Modules Credits
- Biotechnology: Principles and Practice 20
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics 20
- Deep-Sea and Polar Biology 20
- Marine Vertebrate Biology and Ecology 20
Stage 3
In your final year, you’ll complete your marine research project either in the UK or overseas. As 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 focus on the latest research within the field including deep-sea ecology, DNA meta-barcoding and animal tracking.
Compulsory Modules
- Advanced Marine Research Topics I 20
- Advanced Marine Research Topics 2 20
- Advanced Research Skills 20
- Optional Modules Credits
- Biodiversity Science and Management 20
- Biotechnology: Applications 20
- Advanced Marine Research Topics 3 20
- Marine Research Project 40
- Marine Research Project - Overseas 40
Student Testimonials
Career Opportunities
You will cultivate the highest professional and intellectual skills for a successful career.
88% of our 2016/17 UK-domiciled graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
During your second year, you will undertake a short, 35-hour placement within the marine sector. Many of our graduates have gone on to gain employment with our placement providers.
Employers hold our graduates in high regard. Our graduates have secured jobs with companies including:
- Ocean Ecology
- Natural Power
- BBC Natural History Unit
- Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve
The wide range of transferable skills you will possess means that you can move into other professions outside of the subject. Our graduates have built successful careers in fields such as computing and finance.
Industry links
Join our network of confident and successful graduates who benefit from our industry links with:
- Marine Management Organisation
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- Natural England
- Greenpeace
- National Trust
- BBC Natural History Unit
- Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve
You will cultivate the highest professional and intellectual skills for a successful career.
Admissions
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the University website for more information.
Program Tuition Fee
Program delivery
During the course, you'll be taught via a variety of methods, including:
- lectures/seminars
- laboratory practicals
- research vessel practicals
- field work
- research project
- small group tutorials