Marine & Freshwater Biology
About this course
BSc/MSci in Marine & Freshwater Biology, a marine biology degree focused on aquatic environments. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students participate in field courses on Loch Lomond and at the Millport Field Studies Council centre in the Firth of Clyde. The first year introduces foundational subjects through Biology 1A, Biology 1B, Chemistry 1 and Science Fundamentals-1X. The second year expands into broader biological principles with Fundamental Topics in Biology 2, Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2, Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2, Genes, Molecules & Cells 2, Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2 and Microbiology and Immunology 2. The third year advances knowledge via Marine & Freshwater Biology 3A and Marine & Freshwater Biology 3B. The final year involves core training in Animal Biology Core Skills 4X and a choice of investigative, outreach, internship or dissertation honours projects alongside specialized options such as Freshwater Ecology & Evolution (with Field Course) 4D, Tropical Marine Biology (with Field Course) 4Y, Behavioural Ecology 4B and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Conservation 4C.
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: AAB or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level Biology or Chemistry.) IB: 34 (6,5,5) (Additional requirements: HL Biology or Chemistry.) Scottish Higher: ABBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either). Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)* Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
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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: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 96%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 35%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 21%
- Natural and social science professionals: 13%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 9%
- Sales occupations: 7%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 6%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 205 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 7%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 76%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Biology 1A
- Biology 1B
- Chemistry 1
- Science Fundamentals-1X
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
- Marine & Freshwater Biology 3A
- Marine & Freshwater Biology 3B
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
- Animal Biology Core Skills 4X core
- Applying Ecology (Conservation and Management of Populations) 4A option
- Behavioural Ecology 4B option
- Freshwater Ecology & Evolution (with Field Course) 4D option
- Tropical Marine Biology (with Field Course) 4Y option
- Species Diversification and Conservation 4A option
- Disease Ecology 4C option
- Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Conservation 4C option
- Animal Ecophysiology 4Y option
- Movement and Landscape Ecology 4B option
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Marine & Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £36,000. The £29,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of Marine & Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow do next?
65% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Marine & Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Marine & Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 205 UCAS points.
Does Marine & Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Marine & Freshwater Biology at University of Glasgow?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.