Applied Aquatic Biology (Taught)

Overview
Elevate your career on this Applied Aquatic Biology Master's degree. Learn how to tackle the complex challenges aquatic ecosystems face and foster a deeper understanding of aquatic biology.

Located in the heart of diverse marine ecosystems, you'll engage in independent research projects that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead innovative solutions that make a lasting impact on the future of our aquatic ecosystems.

You'll also benefit from time spent in our Institute of Marine Sciences, which is home to a thriving research environment and some of the best facilities in the country – ranking Portsmouth third of all post-1992 universities in the UK for research power.

Once you graduate, you’ll be set to enter careers in conservation, consultancy, fisheries and further study.

Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.

Course highlights

• Undertake independent research at the Institute of Marine Sciences

• Learn how to rear coldwater species for restocking programmes, or trial fish food at the Sparsholt College Fishery and Aquatics facilities

• Learn various advanced field and laboratory techniques to assess and monitor aquatic communities and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems

• Gain subject matter expertise in marine conservation and policy, fisheries management and ecotoxicology and pollution

• Learn how to communicate your work to experts and the general public

• Learn from leading international researchers and industry leaders, including environmental consultancies and government bodies

Careers and opportunities
Graduates of this course have gone onto areas such as:

• aquatic living resources management

• marine NGOs

• private sector consultancy

• government-based research

• conservation

• teaching

• further study or academic research

• scientific journalism

Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:

• Marine scientist

• Waste minimisation officer

• Fish house specialist

• Insurance broker

• Laboratory technician

• Maritime and hydorcarbon sales manager

• Environmental monitoring technician

• Reef conservation volunteer

• Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

• Scottish Sea Farms

• Benthic Solutions Ltd

• North Somerset Council

Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.

Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.

Course structure
Full-time
We recommend that full-time students allocate 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job

Part-time
We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job

Studies include teaching time (lectures, seminars, labs and tutorials), course work, independent learning and assessments

There's lots of lab and field work as part of this course – full-time students could be in labs and lectures up to three days per week

Full-time

Modules studied
You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits.

Core

• Aquatic Biology Research Project (60 credits)
• Research Toolkit (30 credits)

Optional

• Applied Tropical Marine Ecology (30 credits)
• Aquaculture (30 credits)
• Ecotoxicology and Pollution (30 credits)
• Fisheries Biology and Management (30 credits)
• Marine Policy, Planning and Conservation (30 credits)
• Science and the Media (30 credits)

Part-time

Year 1
You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over two years.

Core

• Research Toolkit (30 credits)

Optional

• Aquaculture (30 credits)
• Ecotoxicology and Pollution (30 credits)
• Fisheries Biology and Management (30 credits)
• Marine Policy, Planning and Conservation (30 credits)
• Science and the Media (30 credits)

Year 2

You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over 2 years.

Core

• Aquatic Biology Research Project (60 credits)

Optional

• Applied Tropical Marine Ecology (30 credits)
• Aquaculture (30 credits)
• Ecotoxicology and Pollution (30 credits)
• Fisheries Biology and Management (30 credits)
• Marine Policy, Planning and Conservation (30 credits)
• Science and the Media (30 credits)

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.

You'll be assessed through:

• coursework
• presentations
• final year 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.