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BSc Marine Biology

Newcastle University

About this course

BSc Honours in Biology, with a focus on marine ecosystems and marine life. The curriculum spans modules including Marine Biology, Tropical Marine Ecology, Deep-Sea and Polar Biology, and Contemporary Oceanography. Study covers marine organisms from microbes through to whales, and includes field skills training for marine science.

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.

Institution
Newcastle University
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Marine Biology
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
C161
Typical offer
A-level ABB, IB 32
Median salary
£31,000 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A level: ABB IB: 32 points

See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →

Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)

Offer rate 89%: 172 offers from 194 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.

What students say

Based on about 34 final-year students who answered

  • Teaching on my course: 84%
  • Learning opportunities: 89%
  • Assessment and feedback: 73%
  • Academic support: 99%
  • Organisation and management: 80%
  • Learning resources: 91%
  • Student voice: 83%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 50 students who started

  • Continued on course: 100%

What graduates do next

Based on about 25 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Working: 45%
  • Working and studying: 5%
  • Further study: 20%
  • Unemployed: 5%

Most common jobs

  • Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
  • Natural and social science professionals: 20%
  • Animal care and control services: 10%
  • Sales occupations: 10%
  • Teaching Professionals: 10%
  • Find their work meaningful: 80%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 75%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North East: 24%
  • North West: 12%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 14%
  • East Midlands: 5%
  • West Midlands: 1%
  • East of England: 4%
  • London: 19%
  • South East: 7%
  • South West: 7%
  • Wales: 2%
  • Scotland: 3%
  • Northern Ireland: 1%

Who gets in

Based on about 70 students who started

  • A levels: 96%
  • Access course: 1%
  • Foundation course: 1%
  • Other qualifications: 1%

Accreditation & quality ratings

  • Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council and IMarEST for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist.

TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Marine Biology
  • Animal Life
  • Introduction to Marine Sciences
  • Skills for the Biosciences
  • Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
  • Tropical Marine Ecology
  • Contemporary Oceanography
  • Professional Skills for Bioscientists
  • Field Skills for Marine Science
  • Evolution & Behaviour
  • Vertebrate Biology and Ecology
  • Deep-Sea and Polar Biology

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at Newcastle University earn?

The median salary is £25,000 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £37,000. The £31,000 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Biology.

What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at Newcastle University do next?

70% 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 Newcastle University?

84% 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 Newcastle University?

The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 133 UCAS points.

What is the offer rate for BSc Marine Biology at Newcastle University?

89% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 172 offers from 194 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.

Is BSc Marine Biology at Newcastle University accredited?

Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council and IMarEST for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist.

Does BSc Marine Biology at Newcastle University include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.

How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology at Newcastle University?

100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.