BSc Marine Biology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology and Zoology, covering the biology, ecology, and conservation of marine organisms. Core topics include fieldwork, laboratory techniques, data analysis, statistics, programming, and research methods. The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and includes two residential field trips, one in Scotland and an international trip in the final year. An optional placement year is available, and the course concludes with an independent final-year dissertation project.
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
UCAS tariff: 104 UCAS points. A level: 104 UCAS points. Two full A-levels required as a minimum, including Grade C in Biology. BTEC: Grade DMM required from Applied Science, or other Science-based BTEC including Biology modules. We can accept BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas in combination, where we would ask for a Merit grade in Applied Science. T level: Overall Merit required in Science. Scottish Highers: Two Scottish Higher Levels required, including Biology. Irish Leaving Certificate: Two Higher Levels required, including Biology. IB: 30 points overall, including Grade 4 in Higher Level Biology. Must have passed the full International Baccalaureate to be considered. Access to HE: 104 UCAS points from a QAA Approved Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in a suitable Science subject, must include Biology content. GCSE: In addition to Level 3 requirements, you must have evidence of Level 2 GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 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 25 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 16%
- Sales occupations: 12%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 9%
- Administrative occupations: 7%
- Animal care and control services: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- 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 110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 55%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 11%
- East Midlands: 9%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 3%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Marine Biology
- Genes to Ecosystems
- Biological Skills
- Study Skills for Marine Biology
- Biodiversity
- Global Distribution of Wildlife
- Ocean Challenges
- Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)
- Conservation Biology
- Coastal Management
- Research Skills
- Data Science
- Fisheries Science
- Marine Biotechnology
- Applied Aquatic Biology
- Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)
- Final Year Project and Professional Skills
- Environmental Geographical Information Systems
- Diving for Marine Conservation
- Mitigating Climate Change
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of Salford earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £16,500 after 3 years, £21,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £15,500 and £25,000. The £21,000 median after five years is £5,000 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of Salford do next?
90% 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 University of Salford?
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 University of Salford?
The typical offer is 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 105 UCAS points.
Is BSc Marine Biology at University of Salford accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Marine Biology at University of Salford include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology at University of Salford?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.