Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
University of Plymouth
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Plymouth Campus

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Full Time

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Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Plymouth Campus

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Full Time

Start date

SEP

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Main Site

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Full Time

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SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Plymouth Campus

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Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Plymouth Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

SELECT

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

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Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Biological Sciences
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Course info

In this hands-on degree you’ll explore the organisms living in marine environments from the coastal margins to the deep sea. Teaching takes advantage of the stunning coastline on the doorstep of the University as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities, so you won’t just experience marine biology but also practise it at the highest levels, both in the laboratory and field.Youll study the biology of organisms ranging from coral reef microbes and marine algae at the base of marine ...Read more

In this hands-on degree you’ll explore the organisms living in marine environments from the coastal margins to the deep sea. Teaching takes advantage of the stunning coastline on the doorstep of the University as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities, so you won’t just experience marine biology but also practise it at the highest levels, both in the laboratory and field.You'll study the biology of organisms ranging from coral reef microbes and marine algae at the base of marine ecosystems to the diverse invertebrates, abundant fishes and largest mammals that roam the ocean. You’ll apply this knowledge to understand how marine life is impacted by factors such as climate change and pollution. This degree not only teaches you about the subject, it also equips you with the practical, intellectual and scientific skills to be a practising marine biologist.- Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023. - Explore the full diversity of marine life, from microscopic plankton to iconic marine mammals. Study marine organisms from every angle including how they work, develop and behave and where they are found, how they have evolved and what the future holds for them.- Study marine life in the wild with access to the beautiful and varied Devon and Cornwall coastline. A recent World Wildlife Fund report highlighted the South Devon coast – which can be reached on foot from campus – as the area of highest marine biodiversity in the UK.- Benefit from a strong emphasis on the biology of marine organisms, experimental design, practical and field skills in the lab and at sea.- Choose optional modules which interest you, such as Scientific Diving which allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques.- Access the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and our Marine Station.- LABplus Resource Centre is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.- Benefit from our reputation as an international centre for marine research. Our expert teaching staff collaborate on many varied research projects – one of the many reasons why 100 per cent of our graduates said that our staff made the subject interesting (source: UNISTATS).- Opportunities to gain extra experience working in one of the marine research organisations located in Plymouth, alongside your studies. The University enjoys strong links with the internationally renowned marine research establishments based in the city, including the Diving Diseases Research Centre, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Marine Biological Association of the UK and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science.- Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with two residential field courses abroad (France and Portugal) that give you the chance to study marine organisms not found in UK waters.- Take the opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills in an optional placement in your third year.- Widen your knowledge in an area of interest with a major personal research project conducted in your final year. - Develop a wide range of skills that will prepare you for your chosen career and make you attractive to employers – learn how to ask and answer research questions, and learn how marine biology research gets funded in the UK in a unique role play event. There is also the opportu

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
70/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
41st
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
65th
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 94 = 6% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
6%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
85%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Ecology and Environmental Biology graduate salary at this uni
£17,000
UK Ecology and Environmental Biology graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
S
Sophie
06 Jan 24

The student support is the bit that stands out for me as it is absolutely exceptional, the lecturers are also brilliant and know what they are talking about. Plymouth is an..Read more

S
shore
06 Dec 23

A great university for general lovers of the earth, sea and the little damp rocky bit in-between. Great course in marine biology with even better staff leading the learning, they..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Popular A-level subjects

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
89%
Chemistry
41%
Geography
30%
Psychology
24%
Mathematics
24%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

Rest of World

£18,100 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

Accomodation- Room type – standard en suite (288): Cost: 199 per week. Total annual rent: 8,159 (for a 41-week licence).

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Marine Biology reviews

Marine Biology
Marine Biology
S
Sophie
06 Jan 24
Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
The student support is the bit that stands out for me as it is absolutely exceptional, the lecturers are also brilliant and know what they are talking about. Plymouth is an...
Read more
S
shore
06 Dec 23
Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
A great university for general lovers of the earth, sea and the little damp rocky bit in-between. Great course in marine biology with even better staff leading the learning, they...
Read more
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How Marine Biology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 76 reviews
5 star
43%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
3%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,986 reviews
5 star
34%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
11%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth , Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a modern campus university ideally placed in the centre of Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth, located on...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
65th
University of Plymouth
Devon Plymouth PL4 8AA United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Plymouth  0.2 miles away

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