BSc Marine Biology at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

A research-led degree in the interdisciplinary study of life in the ocean, preparing graduates to tackle issues such as overfishing, pollution and climate change from molecules to ecosystems. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and uses Queen's University Marine Laboratory on Strangford Lough.

What you will study

Students take two residential field courses at the marine laboratory, using aquaria, boats and shore-based facilities, with modules including Environmental Biology in Year 1 and Coastal and Oceanic Biology in Year 2. Final-year Honours projects can be co-designed around a student's interests.

Career pathways

Graduates prepare for marine conservation, environmental consultancy, documentary film making, wildlife tourism, fisheries management and academic study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including Biology and at least one of Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics, plus GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 (or GCSE Double Award Science CC/4,4) and GCSE Mathematics C/4; OR BBB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life & Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology and Chemistry C/4 and GCSE Mathematics C/4; OR ABB including Biology plus GCSE Chemistry C/4 and Mathematics C/4. Chemistry beyond GCSE is an advantage. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* = A, Distinction = B) but not in lieu of A-level Biology or Chemistry. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including H3 in Biology and one of Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics (O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics if not at Higher), or H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including H3 in Biology. IB: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics, Physics or Geography; or 33 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology; plus GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics C/4. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD plus GCSE Biology and Chemistry C/4 and GCSE Mathematics C/4 (RQF: Distinctions in Principles of Applied Science I and II and two specified biology units). Access course: relevant science Access Course (120 credits) with average of 80% and no less than 70% in any module. Graduates: minimum 2:2. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required; last year's entry required at least five GCSE passes at C/4 including English Language and Mathematics. Relevant HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits (Stage 1). Interviews not normally held. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 28,500 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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