BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology, exploring the study of life in aquatic habitats. Core topics include Research Methods and Ethics & Professional Practice. The course includes a common foundation year and covers both marine and freshwater biology. Students complete a 60-credit research project 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: BCC including Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2/H2/H3/H3 including a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics) BTEC Extended Diploma: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. IB: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at minimum grade 5. T Level: Grade M T Level must be completed in a Science subject or A Level Science may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 98%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 97%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Nursing Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 35%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 3%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 2%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 88%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Modules
- Common Foundation Year
- Foundation in Science
- Life on Earth
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
- Scientific Enquiry
- Introductory Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Genes and Inheritance
- Ecology and Sustainability
- Practical Skills in Biodiversity and Ecology
- Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
- Animal Behaviour
- Research Methods
- Habitat Assessment and GIS
- Ecology Field Studies
- Conservation Biology
- Marine Biology
- Freshwater Biology
- Professional Practice
- Fish and Fisheries Biology
- Current Topics in Ecology
- Project (60 credits)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University earn?
The median salary is £24,500 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £32,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University?
The typical offer is BCC at A level, or 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 167 UCAS points.
Is BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology at Edinburgh Napier University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.