BSc Marine Biology
About this course
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology at Heriot-Watt University. The degree is taught by staff in the Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology. Laboratory work and field research are prominent throughout, and students can study at other campuses through the Go Global programme.
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 (Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics required) IB: 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths. Highers: AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject. HNC: C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 4%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 80%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Introductory Biology 1
- Practical Skills in Biology
- Shaping Tomorrow Together A
- Mathematics for Scientists 1
- Biology Practical
- Introductory Biology 2
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- Shaping Tomorrow Together B
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £37,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Marine Biology at Heriot-Watt University?
88% 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 Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 193 UCAS points.
Does BSc Marine Biology at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology at Heriot-Watt University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.