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
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
- 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.
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 AdmissionsEntry 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 40 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
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find 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.
RV Calypso and RV Noctiluca
IMS has 2 research vessels - the 5.4m high-speed shallow draft dory, RV Calypso, used for inshore and intertidal work, and the larger RV Noctiluca, which can sample offshore within the Solent and beyond, carrying up to 12 students plus 2 crew.
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.
India's experience studying BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
India, a student on our Marine Biology BSc course, talks about her experiences on the programme as a first year.
Why did you choose to study Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth?
India: I've always been really passionate about marine biology. I love the facilities that are available. I got a tour of the labs. I enquired a little bit about additional support and things too, because I have a disability myself. When they told me about the services, about ASDAC (Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre), I thought that seemed really good and it seemed a lot better than other universities I'd looked at.
What is your favourite thing about the Marine Biology course?
India: My favourite aspect of the course has been the practical side. Since I've been here I've done about five practical lab sessions. They've really given me a lot of skills as a scientist.
After you graduate, what are your plans for the future?
India: I've been quite interested in deep sea ecology for a while so I find the deep ocean really interesting. Another area that I'm really interested in is also sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
What would you say to convince someone to study Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth?
India: Something that I've noticed since I've been here is how amazing the lecturers are. 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.
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 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
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 in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems – 20 credits
- Research Skills – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Animal Adaptations – 20 credits
- Business For Biosciences – 20 credits
- Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology – 20 credits
- Development: How Form and Function Changes – 20 credits
- Genetics – 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Microbiology – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Oceanography – 20 credits
- Plant Diversity, Development and Evolution – 20 credits
- Practical Boating Skills – 20 credits
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques A – 20 credits
- Ecology Skills and Field Course – 20 credits
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
- Microbiomes - 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year after your 2nd or 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.
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
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, 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 – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £20,200 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 – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, 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.