Integrated Master in Science: Tropical Marine Biology at University of Essex

Programme overview

MSci Tropical Marine Biology is an integrated degree covering marine ecosystems from estuaries and coasts to tropical reefs and ocean systems, conservation and resource management, with residential field trips including Wakatobi Marine National Park in Indonesia where students learn to dive.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 4 years (5 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; integrated | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Marine Ecology, Animal Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Genetics and Evolution and Marine Biology Field Skills. Year 2 includes Biodiversity, Marine Vertebrates and an Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Field Module. Year 3 covers Fisheries Ecology and a Research Project. Year 4 includes Independent Research (MSci), Tropical Marine Systems, Marine Resources and Methods in Marine Biology.

Career pathways

Marine biology (research, conservation, fisheries); environment (ecology, conservation, sustainability); postgraduate research; science communication and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE: Mathematics C/4. Plus one of the level 3 qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Biology, Environmental Science, Life and Health Sciences or Marine Science. IB: 30 points in the IB Diploma or 120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 5 in Higher Level Biology or Chemistry; the GCSE Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard level Maths, 2 in Higher level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. T-levels: Science T-levels are considered case by case; T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science are not accepted. A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications holding UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including C in Biology, Environmental Science, Life and Health Sciences or Marine Science. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent accepted test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,600 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 4 years (5 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

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