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Marine Biology

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Singleton Park Campus
More about Swansea University

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Due to vital ongoing issues with our oceans, an academic understanding of ocean life across the world has never been more important.

Our Marine Biology degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful contributions towards solving current environmental and societal challenges. The breadth and depth of the curriculum allows you to develop a deep understanding of marine ecosystems and the biological principles that govern life in our oceans.

The programme encourages you to consider the impact of human activity on marine environments, and to explore sustainable approaches to conservation.
As a graduate, you will be equipped to become an advocate for the ocean, contributing to solutions for climate change, pollution, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
You will also gain proficiency in laboratory and field techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication, preparing you to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and other environmental crises.

Our degree uses ethical, sustainable and innovative approaches to fully prepare you for a range of meaningful careers in areas including marine science, conservation, and environmental management.

Modules

Year 1: Areas studied typically include:
Cellular & Microbial Biology, Core Skills for Biological Sciences, Botany and Ecology, Evolution and Genetics, Life in the Oceans, Animal Diversity and Behaviour

Year 2: Areas studied typically include:
Marine Invertebrates, Boat Based Marine Biology, Ecological Data Analysis, Marine Biology Field Course, Ichthyology, Oceanography,Tetrapod Evolution

Year 3: Areas studied typically include:
Professional Laboratory Skills, Tropical marine ecology field course, Tropical marine ecology and conservation, Ecology of Marine Megafauna, Climate Change Biology, Fisheries and aquaculture, Macroevolution and Phylogenies, Sensory Ecology

Assessment method

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and discussion groups supported by practical classes and field courses. You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including examinations, coursework and a practical research project.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Singleton Park Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
C160
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C160
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/

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    Swansea University
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    Hi, I'm Tomi :) I would describe myself as scientifically minded, with a systematic approach to working, and enthusiasm to learn and develop personal skills in a practical setting. A possible career goal may be to become a healthcare scientist, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into medical research/industry with a budding interest in consultancy work.

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    Swansea University
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    I love the idea of teaching English in South Korea. I have spent much time in Seoul and Busan over the past 2 years and would love the opportunity to move more permanently. As an avid history lover, Korea's expansive history fascinates me! I am a massive fan of BTS, and my bias is Jimin! I am learning to speak Korean and will participate in a summer school in Seoul this summer to expand my language knowledge further. In my spare time I enjoy creating content for my Instagram which consists of BTS, lifestyle and travel!

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - ABB - BBB

To include Biology, Human Biology or equivalent.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

From Science-based BTEC Extended Diploma (excluding Animal Management and Health Science) plus at least one GCSE grade B in Science with GCSE Grades C in English/Welsh and Mathematics. Accepted BTECs: Applied Science, Environmental Sustainability and Countryside Management.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with Distinction overall to include 24 distinctions (3 in Biology), plus 15 Merits. Only Science based Access course considered (excluding Health Sciences)

Scottish Higher

ABBCC to include Biology Grade B

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

To include 5 in Higher Level Biology or Human Biology

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Swansea University accepts the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales as fully equivalent to x1 A-Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A levels where you can substitute the same non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Level Core Grade

Extended Project

We recognise the EPQ as an excellent indicator of success. If you are predicted a grade B or above in the EPQ, you will receive an offer with a one grade reduction, to include your EPQ with a grade B.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.

English Language Requirements at Swansea University https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

UK applicants who meet course requirements are guaranteed a conditional offer. We assess applications on individual merit. We consider making reduced offers, eg. to Care Leavers or students with extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to disclose any relevant circumstances.

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is considered as equivalent to one full A-Level and students can take x2 A-levels alongside this. EPQ students predicted Grade B or above will receive a one-grade offer reduction.

Learn more on the Swansea University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For Swansea University, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
CCC Most common
  1. AAA
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

100% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

50 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/

Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/

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