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Study Marine Biology, why & how to study

Marine Biology studies all aspects of ocean life, from cell biology to sustainability. Read our guide to see if a degree in this area is for you.

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Marine Biology?

  2. What Marine Biology degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Marine Biology degree?

  4. What topics does a Marine Biology degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Marine Biology?

  7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Marine Biology degree?
  8. What do Marine Biology graduates earn?

  9. What jobs can you get as a Marine Biology graduate?

  10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  11. Similar subjects to Marine Biology

  12. Have any questions?

What’s Marine Biology?

Marine Biology looks at the diversity of life within the sea. It's the study of animals, plants and other marine organisms, from algae to whales. It examines all natural water environments and ecosystems, from coral reefs to estuaries.

During a degree course, you’ll learn about the physiology and ecology of marine organisms. Courses will teach you how to use modern skills, software and equipment, and you'll gain experience working in the lab or field. You’ll also understand how humans affect and intervene with marine life. You could learn about areas like climate change, conservation, aquaculture, and environmental policy.

Marine Biology comes under the umbrella subject of Biological Sciences. Take a look at the university subject rankings.

What Marine Biology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate university courses in Biology are usually BSc (Bachelor of Science) degrees. Some courses have integrated master’s degrees, where you earn an MSc (Master of Science) or MMarBiol (Master of Marine Biology).

Examples of degrees include:

Marine Biology

This course’s focus is on marine organisms and how they interact within their ecosystems. Topics you’ll likely cover include biology, physiology, genetics and conservation.

Find Marine Biology courses.

Marine Sciences

You can take a broader look at marine environments, beyond biology. Courses will teach you about areas like marine chemistry, geology and physics.

Search for Marine Sciences courses.

Marine Biology and Oceanography

If you’re interested in the ecosystem of oceans then this course may be for you, as it closely examines oceanography. As well as marine organisms, you’ll study topics like ocean currents and marine chemistry.

Find Marine Biology and Oceanography courses.

Marine and Freshwater Biology

You can focus your studies on both marine and freshwater environments. The course will help you prepare to tackle challenges within rivers, wetlands, lakes, seas and oceans.

Search for Marine and Freshwater Biology courses.

Other options

Universities often offer courses that include:

  • Professional placement year
  • Study abroad opportunities
  • Integrated foundation or master’s year
  1. GO TO
  2. Find a Marine Biology degree
  3. Types of undergraduate degrees

What do you need to get onto a Marine Biology degree?

Must have

Most undergraduate Marine Biology courses ask for around 112–144 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications below: 

  •  A Levels: 3 at grades AAA–BCC
  • BTECs: DDD–DMM
  • Scottish Highers: AAAB–BBBB
  • International Baccalaureate: 36–26
  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied biology and at least one other science

Good to have

  • Studied life and health science, geography, geology, mathematics, computer science, psychology or environmental science at A Level or equivalent
  • Volunteering, such as beach cleaning
  • Membership of the Marine Conservation Society
  • Work experience in a marine biology laboratory or research environment
  • Boat handling, sailing, snorkelling or diving
  1. GO TO
  2. Entry requirements
  3. About UCAS points
  4. Alternatives to A Levels

What topics does a Marine Biology degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Fundamentals of Marine Biology
  • Biodiversity
  • Mathematics and statistics
  • Cell biology
  • Evolution and genetics
  • Oceans and climate
  • Diversity of life
  • Marine practical skills
  • Population ecology
  • International law and policy

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:

  • Coursework (such as essays, briefing notes, lab notebooks and scientific papers)
  • Written examinations
  • Practical write-ups
  • Oral and poster presentations
  • Individual and group research projects

Why study Marine Biology?

Career-specific skills:

  • Field and laboratory investigation
  • Sampling and recording data
  • Data analysis
  • Report writing
  • Advanced computer and software
  • Knowledge of laws and policy
  • Observation

Transferable skills:

  • Research
  • Mathematical and statistical
  • Communication
  • Presentation
  • Critical thinking
  • Evaluation
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Independent work

Professional accreditations:

  • Royal Society of Biology
  • Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants. It’s worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers (e.g. materials, tuition fees and/or living costs).

See our guide to university scholarships and bursaries.

What do Marine Biology graduates earn?

When starting as a graduate marine biologist, you can expect an entry-level salary of around £12,000–£14,000.

The average salary for a marine biologist in the UK is around £30,000, especially for PhD holders or experienced professionals in consultant or management roles. Salaries can exceed £70,000 for those in high-level positions.

Read more on what graduates do and earn.

What jobs can you get as a Marine Biology graduate?

You could find work within organisations like WWF, Natural England, Greenpeace and the BBC, or in research councils and nature reserves.

Examples of roles that graduates go into:

  • Marine biologist
  • Marine ecologist
  • Research assistant
  • Teacher or professor
  • Lab analyst
  • Marine biology technician
  • Marine policy specialist
  • Meteorologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Environmental engineer
  • Geophysicist
  • Hydrologist
  • Aquaculturist or fishery data manager
  • Reef restoration expert
  • Oil spill response specialist
  • Diving operations manager
  • Watersports instructor

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK:

  • Applied Aquatic Biology MSc
  • Marine Biology MRes
  • Marine Conservation MSc
  • Marine Renewable Energy MRes
  • Sustainable Aquaculture MSc

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