MSci Marine Biology
About this course
MSci in Marine Biology, a marine biology degree centred on the study of organisms, ecosystems, and environmental pressures. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Human Behaviour. The curriculum includes a research project allowing students to work within a leading research group. The first year covers foundational concepts through Marine Biology, Ecology and Conservation, and Evolution and Genetics, alongside optional choices such as Animal Diversity and Life Processes. The second year advances into specialized study with Analysis of Biological Data, Marine Ecology, Marine Monitoring, and residential fieldwork, complemented by optional modules like Ecological Economics, Wildlife Disease, and Animal Behaviour. The final year involves an independent research project and a literature review, alongside intensive international field courses in locations such as Costa Rica, Alaska, and the Azores. Students can also tailor their studies in later stages through optional topics spanning Marine Vertebrate Conservation, Sensory Ecology, and Ocean Management and Conservation.
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. Required subjects: B in a science subject*. *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.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for MSci Marine Biology (CF16) at the University of Exeter for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Animal care and control services: 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 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
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
- Research Project
- Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology
- Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation: Costa Rica Field Course
- Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course
- Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation in Wild Places: The Forests and Oceans of Yukon and Alaska
- Marine Ecology and Evolutionary Conservation in Corsica
- Oceans and Coasts of the Azores Field Course
- Ecology, behaviour and human-wildlife conflict in Northern Spain field course
- Marine Vertebrate Conservation
- Living in Groups
- Symbiosis in Marine Systems
- Sensory Ecology
- Science in Society
- Animal Life Histories
- Ecological Responses to Climate Change
- Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease
- Animal Migration
- Animal Cognition
- Ocean Management and Conservation
- Major Transitions in Evolutionary History
- The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology
- Evolution and Human Behaviour
- Biological Oceanography
- Living with Environmental Change
- Professional Development Experience
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci Marine Biology at University of Exeter do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Marine Biology at University of Exeter?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Marine Biology at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Marine Biology at University of Exeter?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.