Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
Begin your career as a marine biologist on this degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Conduct research on the Solent European Marine Site at our internationally-renowned shoreside marine station.
Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
C160
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 UCAS points from A level Biology
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Marine biologists are the first line of defence for our blue planet, and are crucial to enhance 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 of 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 field trip abroad, where you can explore exotic, unique and diverse ecosystems
- 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
19th
for biology in UK
(Guardian University Guide, 2026)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
91%
of students were positive about the learning resources and facilities provided on this course
(NSS, 2025)
90%
of students were positive about the support provided by teaching staff on this course
(NSS, 2025)
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.
Explore BSc (Hons) Marine Biology at Portsmouth
Find out more about our BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree course, including what you'll study, the facilities you'll access, and the career opportunities it offers.
Ian Hendy: The course here at the University of Portsmouth for Marine Biology is a three-year degree. And the course is accredited with the Royal Society Biology. This is actually very important because it gives a really good firm accreditation for seal of approval for our degree.
In our first year, they'll be based at the town campus where they have lots of lab facilities looking at microbiology and DNA extractions. But down here at the Institute of Marine Sciences, we have a large vessel where we could do some deep sea benthic trials. We have a smaller vessel where we can map seagrass habitats and kelp forests using sonar. We have oyster restoration and we also have coastal development and looking at habitat fragmentation and restoration.
The placement opportunity is an optional module. This could be locally, nationally or actual fact international as well. All governments have called for a climate crisis. Students can potentially find themselves in jobs such as charities, non-government organisations, working towards sustainability of restoration, benthic taxonomists, looking at impacts of oil spills, and you could also work in the research industry as well. So there's a whole breadth of jobs you could find yourself doing.
Living in Portsmouth, particularly in Southsea, is a lovely place to live. We're surrounded by the Solent. You have the Isle of Wight right next to you, we have Langstone Harbour and Portsmouth Harbour. So for a marine biologist, it's a dream.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
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Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from A level Biology. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
Must be in a Science subject - International Baccalaureate - 25
5 points from a Higher Level in Biology
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
I can honestly say that Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth exceeded all my expectations and I really am living my dream. The Institute of Marine Sciences has amazing facilities and the best lecturers; with a beautiful sea view for inspiration.
Facilities and specialist equipment
You'll spend plenty of time at our industry-leading marine station, the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), located just metres from the sea and the Solent European Marine Site.
You'll monitor and test seawater, looking at how humans impact marine ecosystems and how materials react to different marine environments. These are some of the facilities and equipment you'll use at the IMS.
Floating research platform
Our large floating research platform is permanently moored in the centre of the harbour and used for marine remote sensing, tidal turbine trials and marine monitoring, for which testing instruments can be submerged at any level from the surface to the sea bed.
Aquatic centre and lab suite
Our purpose-built 318m2 aquatic centre includes an aquarium, wet lab and seawater system, with seawater sourced directly from the harbour, enabling temperature controlled experiments and ambient seawater experiments.
Careers and 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.
On 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, field work or policy making.
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level. Many graduates go onto 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.
I think that the amount of support available at the University is exceptional really, but I'd also say that the facilities are amazing and in terms of science, there are some really great labs and great lab equipment.
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
Placement year
After your second or third 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.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 30 credits each or two modules worth 45 credits each and one module worth 30 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
Through a mixture of lectures, workshops, and practical classes, you'll delve into evolutionary concepts and the fundamentals of phylogenetics.
You'll also gain an understanding of the rich diversity of life from its origins to present day and you'll explore the major groups of organisms from the smallest bacteria to the largest plants and animals.
This module will give you a strong foundation on which to build your understanding of diversity, ecological processes, choice of biomedical or industrial model organisms, comparative physiology and more.
You'll develop a strong understanding of the structure and function of the molecules and organelles that make up living cells.
Sessions in laboratories will see you build your practical confidence in using key biochemical and microbiological techniques.
Your progress on this module will see you explore the diversity of microbial life, including how microorganisms grow and how they are studied in the labs.
You'll be given a thorough introduction to key laboratory equipment, techniques and methods that are widely used in biological sciences, and that will allow you to adopt good laboratory practice (glp).
You'll learn these important lab techniques through various hands-on lab practical sessions, providing a learning-by-doing approach.
Additionally, a series of lectures and computer sessions will provide theory and practise for experimental design strategies and statistical analyses of resulting data sets, providing fundamental skills for interpreting scientific experiments and data. these skills will collectively form a basis for your future scientific studies and careers.
You'll gain a broad introduction to the marine environment, exploring how ocean biology, chemistry, physics and geology work together to shape life in the seas.
You'll learn about physical and chemical processes that control seawater and sediments, and how these influence marine habitats and ecosystems.
You'll research scientific literature, develop academic writing skills, and build confidence in interpreting marine environments and the interactions between organisms and their surroundings.
Core modules
You'll discover the incredible diversity of marine organisms and how they interact within ecosystems across the globe.
Learn taxonomy, ecology, and the processes that shape life from polar regions to tropical seas.
Explore the impacts of climate change and human activity while developing practical skills through engaging lectures and hands-on sessions.
Learn how to plan and design a scientific research project, exploring experimental design, ethics and health and safety.
You'll develop practical data analysis and coding skills by working with real datasets and using r to run and interpret statistical tests.
You'll strengthen your career readiness by developing academic writing skills, creating professional cvs and cover letters, and reflecting on your future career goals.
You'll discover how species interact within marine and terrestrial ecosystems and what shapes biodiversity and ecological balance.
Take part in a week-long field course to develop practical skills in sampling, data analysis, and experimental design.
Learn to apply ecological theory to real-world challenges and communicate your findings like a professional scientist.
Optional modules
You'll investigate estuarine, coastal and open-ocean systems, learning how physical, chemical and biological processes interact in marine environments.
You'll take part in hands-on fieldwork aboard a coastal survey vessel and laboratory practicals to collect and explore real oceanographic data. you'll develop computing, data analysis and teamwork skills, gaining confidence in interpreting multi-disciplinary datasets and presenting professional scientific reports.
This module will see you study microbial interactions with humans, animals, and plants, and will learn about antimicrobial resistance.
You will also learn how microbes can modify the availability of essencial nutrients and their role in the environment.
In the laboratory practical sessions, you will learn how to work independently in a microbiology lab and how to cultivate and identify microbes.
This module will introduce you to the core principles of genetics, from inheritance and gene expression to molecular and evolutionary processes.
You'll work with real genetic data through practical sessions and interactive workshops, building confidence in analysing sequences, mutations and inheritance patterns.
You'll also apply bioinformatic tools and case studies to solve problems and understand how genetics informs modern bioscience research.
Take your diving expertise to the next level with our scientific diving techniques module, designed for students already holding a padi open water certification (or equivalent).
This padi scientific diver course combines advanced practical skills with academic depth, covering the theory and challenges of underwater scientific operations.
Through classroom-based workshops, you'll master hse legislation, risk assessment, project planning, and reporting - all aligned with approved codes of practice.
You'll then apply your knowledge in the field by planning and executing a real-world diving project.
Delivered under padi accreditation and university-approved standards, this module offers a unique opportunity to gain professional-level diving competence while enhancing your scientific research capabilities.
This module will see you navigate your way to new skills as you learn the theory and practical principles of coastal navigation , chart reading, and course plotting, ensuring you can plan and execute safe journeys at sea.
Through the rya day skipper theory and powerboat level 2 courses, you'll develop your boat handling skills under the guidance of accredited providers.
This module is ideal to combine maritime theory with hands-on skills to help you enhance your professional profile and personal development.
You'll gain hands-on experience using the same gis and remote sensing software that professionals rely on in geography, environmental and earth science careers.
Through working with real-world data, you'll learn core theory before exploring the capture, interpretation and analysis of geographical and environmental data around topics such as wildlife habitats and natural disasters.
Along the way, you'll develop valuable digital, analytical, and problem-solving skills that will give you a strong advantage in the job market.
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.
You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
Explore how plants and animals are adapted to their environments, linking physiology, structure and behaviour to evolution and ecology. you'll compare adaptations across marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, from plant growth and reproduction to animal responses to temperature and oxygen.
You'll also develop practical and data-handling skills by collecting, analysing and communicating biological data from real plant and animal studies.
Core modules
You'll plan and deliver an independent research project guided by your interests and career ambitions.
Through structured supervision and self-directed enquiry, you'll strengthen your ability to frame research questions, work with evidence, and evaluate findings critically.
The module helps you build confidence as an emerging professional, preparing you for postgraduate study or graduate roles that require independent thinking, problem solving and clear communication.
You'll learn how environmental factors shape the physiology of marine organisms, from algae to vertebrates.
Explore real-world examples and evaluate cutting-edge research to understand adaptation and resilience.
Develop skills in data interpretation and critical analysis to tackle challenges in marine science.
You'll discover how marine ecosystems function and the impact of human activity on biodiversity.
Learn the principles of conservation and restoration through labs, workshops, and field trips.
Develop practical skills in ecological data collection and analysis while exploring strategies to protect vulnerable species and habitats.
Optional modules
You'll learn how fisheries and aquaculture shape global food security and marine sustainability. explore stock assessment, climate impacts, and strategies to manage ecosystems responsibly. take part in real-world case studies and develop skills in research, analysis, and professional communication.
In this module, you'll study the presence, functions and activity of microbes in their natural environments; looking at how they adapt to different environments and interact with each other.
You'll learn modern approaches and techniques - including advanced molecular methods - and apply these in practical lab sessions after which you'll interpret and analyse results in scientific reports.
In computational workshops you'll learn how to analyse microbiome sequence data and enhance on the skills needed for exciting careers in microbiome sciences.
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad.
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Find out more about Connected Degrees
Changes to course content
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. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written exams
- course work in the form of practical write ups
- posters and oral presentations
- individual research project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- tutorials
- laboratory-based practical work
- field trips
You'll 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. You'll also get a personal tutor, who will support you with your studies.
Parasites and pollutants with Professor Alex Ford
When you pour a medicine down the sink or flush it down the loo, where do the chemicals end up? Marine biologist, Professor Alex Ford, has been exploring how the behaviour of sea creatures changes when zombie-like parasites thrive in polluted waters, even causing their hosts to change sex.
External Audio
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Marine Biology degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and external visits for about 11 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,950 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Travel or accommodation for compulsory fieldwork is included in the course fee, but you will be expected to pay for meals and other subsistence costs. These costs will be in the region of £10 a day.
There are optional field work opportunities to a tropical location. These costs will be in the region of £1500–£2000 depending on the duration and location of the field trip.
If you haven’t dived before, you can take the Scientific and Technical Diving A module, which includes a PADI Open Water course, Dry Suit course and Scientific and Technical Diving course. This module costs around £860, covering tuition, transport and diving costs.
If you already hold a PADI Open Water certificate (or equivalent), you can take the Scientific and Technical Diving B module, which includes an advanced diving course (e.g. PADI Advanced Open Water), Dry Suit course and Scientific and Technical Diving course. This module costs around £800, covering tuition, transport and diving costs.
There is a Practical Boating skills unit which costs in the region of £710.
In your final year, you'll be primarily based at the Institute of Marine Sciences. You'll also need to attend some teaching here in your second year.
You may need to pay for travel to the Institute of Marine Sciences, which is around 3.5 miles from the main University campus and 2 miles from popular student housing areas.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,468 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,545 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £3,000 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – C160
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.