MSci (Hons) Marine Biology at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

MSci (Hons) Marine Biology is an integrated master's that extends the BSc programme with a research-intensive final year, preparing graduates for research careers and other high-level graduate employment.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Biological and Marine Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time (plus optional placement) | Study mode: full-time; integrated masters | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Years 1 to 3 follow the marine biology core (Cells, Marine Biology Field Course, Evolution and Behaviour, Biodiversity, Introduction to Marine Biology, Methods in Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology and Oceanography) with options including Principles of Conservation Biology, Marine Molecular Biology, Ecophysiology of Marine Animals and Biological Oceanography Field Course. The final year comprises a 60-credit research project, a 20-credit SoBMS Postgraduate Methods module, Advanced Research in Marine Biology and Topics in Marine Biology: Societal Relevance and Solutions.

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. The research-intensive final year is designed to support research careers and other high-level graduate employment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above. Typical offer: 136 UCAS points from a minimum of 3 A levels including grade B or above in A level Biology, and studying a second science from Applied Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths, Physics or Psychology. BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma: typically DDD depending on units studied. Access to HE: science-related diploma with at least 15 credits in biology units; typically 39 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 6 at Merit. T level: enquire with modules. International Baccalaureate: 34 overall including Higher Level Biology grade 6 and a second science, preferably at Higher Level (English and Maths accepted at Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5). Other pathways: contact admissions. 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: 4 years

Engineering