BSc Marine Biology
About this course
BSc in Marine Biology, a marine biology degree focused on the study of aquatic organisms and their natural habitats. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. Teaching takes place at the Penryn campus in Cornwall, incorporating practical residential field trips in the United Kingdom. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through compulsory study in Marine Biology, Ecology and Conservation, and Evolution and Genetics, alongside optional choices such as Animal Diversity. Year two advances these principles via core modules including Analysis of Biological Data, Marine Ecology, Marine Monitoring, and the UK Marine Field Course, complemented by optional modules covering topics like Evolutionary Ecology and GIS for Wildlife Mapping. Optional modules in the later stages allow students to pursue specialised interests across various environmental and ecological subjects.
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: ABB. AAB (with Study Abroad only). Required subjects: B in a science subject*. A in a science subject* (with Study Abroad only). *Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only); Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths/Statistics; Marine Science; Nutrition and Food Science; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied). IB: 32/655. 34/665 (with Study Abroad only).
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What students say
Based on about 34 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 25%
- South West: 40%
- Wales: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Marine Biology
- Ecology and Conservation
- Evolution and Genetics
- Animal Diversity
- Life Processes
- Analysis of Biological Data
- Marine Ecology
- Marine Monitoring
- Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course
- UK Marine Field Course
- Ecological Economics
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Wildlife Disease
- Conservation Science
- Animal Behaviour
- Wildlife Exploitation
- GIS for Wildlife Mapping
- Adaptations to Life on Earth
- Green Consultants
- Physical Ocean Processes
- Oceans and Human Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £29,000. The £25,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of Exeter do next?
85% 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 Exeter?
87% 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 Exeter?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology at University of Exeter?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.