BSc Marine Biology
About this course
BSc in Marine Biology, a marine biology degree focused on the study of ocean life, aquatic ecosystems, and organism physiology across diverse marine environments. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad as part of their studies. The first year covers core biological sciences through modules such as Frontiers in Biological Sciences, Diversity of Life 1, Diversity of Life 2, and Ecology and Environmental Science. The second year introduces foundational concepts via Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST), Ecology, Fundamentals in Marine Biology, and Introduction to Genetics, alongside optional field courses like Coastal Biodiversity. Year 3 advances into specialized topics including Statistical Analysis of Biological Data, Marine Ecology and Ecosystems, Gateway to Honours Project, and Applied Marine Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, with further options in Population Ecology. The final year centers on the SBS Honours Project, an independent research semester supervised by academic staff, complemented by optional studies in Sustainable Management of Marine Resources and Sustainable Aquaculture.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 97%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 97%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- East Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 3%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 76%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Frontiers in Biological Sciences
- Diversity of Life 1
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Diversity of Life 2
- The Cell
- Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST)
- Ecology
- Fundamentals in Marine Biology (BI25Z5)
- Introduction to Genetics
- Comparative Physiology 1
- Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)
- Field Biology (BI25F6)
- Marine Field Ecology (BI25F9)
- Field Skills in Ecology and Animal Behaviour (BI25FA)
- Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
- Marine Ecology and Ecosystems
- Gateway to Honours Project
- Applied Marine Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Comparative Physiology 2
- Animal Evolution and Biodiversity
- Population Ecology
- Ecological Genomics
- SBS Honours Project
- Sustainable Management of Marine Resources
- Sustainable Aquaculture
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £24,500 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £34,500. The £28,500 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Zoology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 178 UCAS points.
Is BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.