Tropical Marine Biology (Integrated Masters) (Including Placement Year)
- Study level:
- Undergraduate

Course summary
The MSci Tropical Marine Biology is a three-year degree, extendable to four with an optional year in placement or abroad.
You’ll gain advanced tropical marine biology theory and develop a range of practical and professional skills needed to be a tropical marine scientist.
By studying an integrated course, you’ll start at undergraduate level and graduate with a Masters-level qualification.
WHY THIS COURSE
The MSci Tropical Marine Biology lets you discover marine ecosystems from the poles to the tropical reefs of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. You’ll study ecosystems from estuaries and coastal environments to ocean systems, and explore the practicalities of conservation and resource management.
You’ll also have the opportunity to embark on residential trips including to Wakatobi Marine National Park in 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.
By integrating Masters study, you’ll fast-track your degree and complete your Final Year in nine months, when a regular MSc usually takes twelve months.
You’ll graduate on the path to a marine science or ecology career, ready to help resolve the increasing environmental issues across the world.
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- BA97
- 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
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Tropical Marine Biology (Integrated Masters) (Including Placement Year) at University of Essex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 - 128 points
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
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.
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
Grades held by accepted students
- ABB
- Highest grades
- DDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24360 | Year 1 |
| International | £24360 | Year 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.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email:admit@essex.ac.uk
Phone:01206 873666
Fax: 01206 872808
