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Marine Biology

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 10/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Colchester Campus

Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Marine Biology is a three-year degree, extendable to four with an optional year in placement or abroad.

You’ll become a well-rounded marine scientist with a strong knowledge across the spectrum of marine biology and ecology.

WHY THIS COURSE

The BSc (Hons) Marine Biology lets you explore marine biology at all scales, from our on-campus aquaria, to local estuaries and ecosystems, to whole ocean systems on the other side of the planet.

You’ll be able to explore our academic staff’s own areas of research such as coral reef conservation, fisheries management, animal behaviour, marine biotechnology and microbiology.

With a practical approach to learning, you’ll gain key scientific skills such as data analysis and interpretation, literature, research and presentation skills. You’ll visit local sites with rich diversity and interact with organisations such as the Essex Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Colchester Oyster Fisheries.

You’ll also have the opportunity to embark on residential trips to Scotland, Greece and Indonesia, learning to dive and participating in unique underwater research surveys and lectures.

Add a placement year or study abroad to put your learning into practice, expand your perspective and build confidence in professional or international settings.

You’ll graduate on the path to a marine science or ecology career, ready to help resolve the increasing environmental issues across the world.

Modules

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

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:
C164
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points

GCSE Maths C/4 is also required. Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels including C in Biology, Environmental Science, Life and Health Sciences and Marine Science. We accept A Levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T Levels, AAQs and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff. Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK.

Learn more on the University of Essex 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 and 14 other biosciences courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

96% 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

40 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 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

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
EU£24360Year 1
International£24360Year 1

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

Fees displayed are for the 2026-27 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

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