BSc Marine Biology
About this course
BSc (Honours) in Marine Biology, a marine biology degree examining aquatic life and ecological systems. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods. The curriculum includes fieldwork opportunities taking advantage of proximity to coastal habitats. The first year covers foundational concepts through Biology 1 and Biology 2. The second year examines population and organismal biology through Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Research Methods in Biology, The Oceans, Vertebrate Zoology, and Zoology. Subsequent study encompasses unassigned modules such as Biology of Marine Organisms, Ecosystems and Conservation, Evolution, Methods in Aquatic Biology, Statistical and Quantitative Skills for Biologists, Tropical Marine Biology, Fisheries Research, Foraging in Marine Mammals, and Biological Oceanography, alongside choices between Genes, Cells and Development or Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach.
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, including Biology and one other science from the following: Chemistry Mathematics Physics. IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL6 in one of the following subjects: Chemistry Mathematics Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 20%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 9%
- South East: 6%
- Scotland: 55%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Modules
- Biology of Marine Organisms
- Ecosystems and Conservation
- Evolution
- Methods in Aquatic Biology
- Statistical and Quantitative Skills for Biologists
- and a choice of Genes, Cells and Development or Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach
- Tropical Marine Biology
- Fisheries Research
- Foraging in Marine Mammals
- Biological Oceanography
- And many others
- Biology 1
- Biology 2
- Ecology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Research Methods in Biology
- The Oceans
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Zoology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £40,500. The £32,500 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology at University of St Andrews 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 St Andrews?
98% 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 St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 213 UCAS points.
Does BSc Marine Biology at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology at University of St Andrews?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.