BSc (Hons) Marine Biology at Swansea University

Programme overview

A degree in marine ecosystems and the biological principles governing ocean life, covering human impacts on marine environments and sustainable approaches to conservation. Boat work on the research vessel RV Mary Anning, fieldwork on local shores and laboratory work are core parts of the degree, with a residential field course in year two and an optional international tropical field course.

Department: School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics | Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with a foundation year, a year abroad, a year in industry or a year in applied research) | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 compulsory modules include Cellular and Microbial Biology, Becoming a Scientist, Ecology and Behaviour, Evolution and Genetics, Life in the Oceans and Animal and Plant Diversity. Year 2 includes Marine Invertebrates, Boat Based Marine Biology, Ichthyology, Oceanography and a Marine Biology Field Course; year 3 includes a Biosciences Research Project, Professional Skills in Marine Biology and options such as Ecology of Marine Megafauna, Fisheries and Aquaculture and a tropical marine ecology field course.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers in marine science, conservation and environmental management. The department has links with Natural Resources Wales, the British Mammal Society and the National Wetlands Centre Wales, and a careers conference for second- and third-year students.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: A-level ABB-BBB to include A-level Biology or Human Biology; BTEC DDD in Applied Science, Countryside Management Environmental Sustainability, or BTEC Level 3 Nationals or C&G Level 3 Extended Diploma in Countryside Management; UK Access to HE in Biomedical, Forensic, Applied, Bio, Natural or Biophysical Sciences with Distinction overall including 24 Distinctions (3 in Biology) and 15 Merits at Level 3; T Levels not accepted; mixed qualifications 120 UCAS tariff points from the three highest qualifications including 40 in a relevant subject; International Baccalaureate 32 including 5 at Higher Level or 6 at Standard Level Biology. Foundation year route: A-level CDD-DDD; BTEC DMM DMM in a subject such as Animal Management, Health Science or Land and Wildlife Management; UK Access to HE in the sciences with a minimum of 27 Merits in Science including all Biology modules at Level 3; T Levels Distinction and GCSE Science/Biology grade B/6; mixed qualifications 96 UCAS tariff points including 40 in a relevant subject; International Baccalaureate 28 points and GCSE Science/Biology grade B/6.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time undergraduate tuition fee for Welsh, English and other UK students. International fee is shown on the course page. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,100 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee, 3-year full-time route (same fee for the foundation year, year abroad and year in industry routes); international fees rise 3% for each subsequent year; UK fees may rise in line with the Welsh Government cap. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with a foundation year, a year abroad, a year in industry or a year in ap

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