BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology
About this course
BSc in Marine Biology. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and offers optional field courses in marine and freshwater environments. A substantial independent research project with one-to-one academic supervision is undertaken in the final year.
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: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC diploma) in subject areas other than biological science, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSEs, experience and motivation. IB: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed an international baccalaureate in subject areas other than higher level biological science, and to mature-aged candidates who have the required GCSE subjects (or equivalent), experience and motivation.
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 55%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Media Professionals: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 40%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 15%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 15%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 5%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 15%
- Wales: 15%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 5%
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
- Building Blocks of Biology
- Communication Skills
- Fundamentals in Animal Biology
- Fundamentals in Ecology and Plant Diversity
- Microbes, Health and Disease
- Practical and Analytical Skills for Biologists
- Cell Biology
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Ecology and Conservation
- Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
- Microbial and Plant Diversity
- Skills for Wildlife Scientists
- Aquatic Botany
- Freshwater Biology
- Marine Biology
- Research Methods
- Animal Behaviour
- Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Researching Behavioural Ecology
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Practical Aquatic Conservation
- Research Project
- Behavioural Neurobiology
- Environmental Regulation and Consultancy
- Freshwater Biology Field Course
- Marine Biology Field Course
- Population and Community Ecology
- Wildlife Conservation & Biodiversity
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University earn?
The median salary is £23,500 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £32,500. The £28,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University?
The average entrant had 108 UCAS points.
Is BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University 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).
How many students continue on BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.