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Study Marine Biology, why & how to study

A degree in Marine Biology will see you studying all things related to ocean life, from cell biology to international policy.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 06 Oct 2023

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What’s Marine Biology?
What Marine Biology degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Marine Biology degree?
What topics does a Marine Biology degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Marine Biology?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Marine Biology degree?
What do Marine Biology graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Marine Biology graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Marine Biology
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, in environments from coral reefs to estuaries.

During a degree course in Marine Biology, you’ll learn about the physiology and ecology of marine organisms using modern skills, software and equipment, while gaining experience working in the lab or field.

What Marine Biology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Marine Biology degrees on offer in the UK include:

Several options include a year abroad or placement year as part of the course.

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

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 writeups
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

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Marine Biology degree?

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

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.