BSc (Hons) Marine Biology at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology covers marine organisms and ecosystems in both the laboratory and the field, taught alongside one of the largest concentrations of marine scientists in Europe on Plymouth's seafront.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Biological and Marine Sciences | Duration: 3 years full-time (plus optional placement) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Cells: The Building Blocks of Life, Marine Biology Field Course, Evolution and Behaviour, Biodiversity and Introduction to Marine Biology. Year 2 covers Ecology of Shallow Water Marine Habitats, Ecophysiology of Marine Animals, an Experimental Marine Biology Field Course (residential, currently in the Algarve) and Biology of Marine Organisms. The final year includes a personal research project (SoBMS Project) and options such as Ecotoxicology, Fish and Fisheries, Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation Physiology.

Career pathways

As a marine biology graduate, careers include research institutions, charities and NGOs, monitoring the environment and fisheries, nature documentary filming and production, and promoting marine conservation messages.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above. Typical offer: 120 UCAS points from a minimum of 3 A levels including grade B in A level Biology. BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma: typically DDM depending on units studied. Access to HE: science-related diploma with at least 15 credits in biology plus 15 credits in maths, physics, chemistry, environmental science, applied science, geography, geology, technology or psychology; typically 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit. T level: enquire with modules. International Baccalaureate: 30 overall including Higher Level Biology grade 5 (English and Maths accepted at Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5). Contextual offers are typically 8 points below the advertised tariff. International applicants must hold a suitable English language qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition per year. Optional placement-year fees are charged separately and are excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,200 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition per year. Optional placement-year fees are charged separately and are excluded. Source

Duration: 3 years

Engineering