Marine Biology

Join a marine biology degree with an international reputation. With doorstep access to a stunning coastline and some of Europe’s best marine facilities, you'll experience marine biology at the highest level, both in the laboratory and field.

Learn from the best
We're at the forefront of knowledge in how marine organisms are composed, function, evolve and interact within ecosystems.

From the laboratory to field
Developing rigorous scientists through practical experience in core research skills and cutting-edge techniques.

Facing global challenges
We'll prepare you to find the answers to fundamental questions and solutions for the challenges associated with climate change, habitat loss, pollution and sustainable food production.

This course is for you if...

• you're passionate about exploring marine life, from coastal margins to the deep sea

• you seek hands-on experience in both laboratory and field settings

• you are passionate about understanding and finding solutions to the challenges facing marine ecosystems

• you want to develop the practical, intellectual and scientific skills to become a practising marine biologist.

Plymouth is a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, the UK Armed Forces and the higher education sector, helping equip you with specialist, in-demand skills.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key biological and oceanographic themes, with topics ranging from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and microbiology. Through a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, laboratory and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll also benefit from two week-long field courses introducing you to the spectacular marine environments in South West England and the processes of scientific investigation, data collection and analysis.

Year 2
In year two, you’ll sharpen your practical skills in the setting of the South Devon coastline, just minutes away, and on a residential field course that currently takes place in the Algarve, Portugal. We’ll introduce you to methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, and provide a deeper understanding of biology of marine organisms and the ecology of shallow water marine habitats. Depending on your choice of modules, you can receive training in underwater sampling, state-of-the art molecular biology or general ecological principles.

Optional placement year
During your optional third year, you’ll have the opportunity to do a work placement, for a six or 12-month period.

As well as providing valuable hands-on experience outside of the classroom, a placement can prove to be a great networking opportunity and provide a deeper, working level understanding of the career paths that are available following your degree.

Final year
Your final year of study provides the opportunity for you to focus on your chosen areas of interest. You’ll conduct an extensive personal research project, applying the skills and methods you've learned. You’ll also choose from a range of modules that are driven by the research interests of our staff, again giving you the opportunity to specialise and tailor your work towards your career goals, while studying at the cutting edge of marine biology.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.