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Marine Biology BSc Honours

  • UCAS code: C161
  • Full time
  • 3 years

Our Marine Biology degree offers an understanding of all the exciting marine ecosystems on our planet. You'll study the biology of marine life from microbes through to whales, and consider climate change and marine conservation.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2026


Next start date:

  • September 2026

Tuition fees (Year 1)

  • Home: Not set
  • International: £Not set

Scholarships available

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: ABB
  • IB: 32 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

The planet cannot survive without its oceans. Our mission is to nurture and train you as a marine biologist with the skills to solve global challenges.

You’ll explore all marine life, from invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals to plants, algae and bacteria.

This programme is ideal if you are interested in understanding the complex interactions between marine life and their environments. It prepares you for careers in ecology, marine science and environmental management.

You’ll address key challenges of today including:

  • climate change
  • marine pollution
  • sustainable use of our marine resources
  • loss of marine biodiversity
  • marine conservation

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions

You’ll cover a broad range of topics to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge in Marine Biology. This foundation will help you understand more complex challenges and solutions as you progress in your degree.

You'll also be introduced to standard laboratory procedures, experimental design, sampling methods, field observations, and recording, analysing and displaying scientific information.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Ecology and Conservation 20
Marine Biology 20
Animal Life 20
The Marine Environment 20
Skills for the Biosciences 20

You also take Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)

You’ll develop a deeper understanding of marine ecology. You’ll also learn how your marine biology skills apply to many different areas. These can include industrial, biotechnology and food production.

You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through laboratory practicals, workshops, field trips and a residential field course.

Modules

Compulsory modules

You take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory module Credits
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation 20
Global Marine Ecology 20
Oceans and Climate I 20
Academic and Employability Skills 20

Optional modules

You take one of the following optional modules:

Optional module Credits
Evolution and Behaviour 20
Vertebrate Biology and Ecology 20
Molecular and Population Genomics 20

You take one of the following optional modules:

Optional module Credits
Applied Marine Biology 20
Marine Fisheries Science 20

In Stage 3, you’ll complete your marine research project either in the UK or overseas. As part of your project, you’ll submit a scientific paper and present your findings to staff and students. This experience is invaluable as writing research papers is a core requirement in the field.

You'll also study advanced marine biology and zoology. These topics focus on the latest research within the field including deep-sea ecology, DNA meta-barcoding and conservation of whale populations.

Modules

Compulsory modules

You take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules Credits
Global Challenges & Solutions 20
Marine Biodiversity & Conservation 20
Global Marine Science 20
Research Project 40

Optional modules

You take one of the following optional modules:

Compulsory modules Credits
Biodiversity Science and Management 20
Physiological Zoology 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

During the course, you'll be taught via a variety of methods, including:

  • lectures and seminars
  • laboratory practicals
  • research vessel practicals
  • field work
  • research project
  • small group tutorials

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Essays

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Group work

  • Interviews

  • Practical sessions

  • Presentations

  • Projects

  • Reflective report/journal

  • Reports

  • Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Practical experience

With miles of coastline and the North Sea on your doorstep, you’ll enjoy a unique learning experience at Newcastle.

You'll be challenged to put theory into practice out in the field.

Field trips are vital as you explore the marine biology of different environments. For any residential field course activity a student contribution will be required. These include:

  • exploring the marine environment on the Isle of Cumbrae
  • overseas residential field course in locations such as Portugal, Mexico, or Malaysia

Business skills

You'll gain industrial experience through:

  • employability module in Stage 2
  • work placements
  • study abroad opportunities
  • industrial visits

You'll also develop key skills, including:

  • writing proposals
  • designing experimental studies
  • writing scientific reports and papers
  • delivering presentations

Research skills

Research is at the heart of what we do. You'll learn about the latest research from our school and your lecturers. They have a diverse range of expertise and work alongside policymakers, conservation organisations, and industry experts to deliver innovative solutions to real-world problems. This research-led approach to teaching makes sure your studies are accurate and relevant.

Recent discoveries include a new species of sawshark (Pliotrema kajae) and microplastics in deep sea systems.

You’ll develop your research skills in the laboratory and out at sea. You’ll have access to our outstations on the coast and complete fieldwork in the North East.

Some recent student dissertation titles:

  • Metal pollution concentrations in sediment and organisms from the Tyne estuary compared to conditions 11 years ago.
  • Variation in fish abundance and diversity, in the wind farm off Blyth in the North Sea, and in highly fished areas.
  • A historic comparison of coral reefs surrounding Utila

READ MORE

Opportunities

Study abroad

Gain a global perspective, enhance your academic profile and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas. Study abroad usually takes place in stage 3 of your studies and extends your degree by one year.

You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:

  • Monash University 
  • University of Hong Kong
  • University of Pittsburgh

You can also opt for short-term global opportunities like summer schools, virtual exchanges or internships that usually take place over the summer months.

Work placement

During your degree you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industry placement, in the UK or abroad. Your work placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills and make industry contacts. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team. Work placements usually take place between Stages 2 and 3 and extend your degree by a year.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

The Ridley 2 Building is the home of Marine Biology and Marine Zoology and is located on our city-centre campus. It's based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

Located within are ten modern research-ready laboratories with specialist facilities where you’ll gain hands-on experience including computer-controlled force gauge, molecular biology suits, spectrophotometers and air-sea gas exchange tanks. We also have our controlled-environment aquaria here.

Our outstanding Marine Science facilities, where you'll study live marine animals, include:

  • the Dove Marine Laboratory on the coast, with a live aquarium on-site
  • Blyth Marine Station and Research vessel, The Princess Royal, a floating laboratory with activities like oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats
  • the on-campus Great North Museum with a wide range of important biological collections

You'll gain hands-on experience to prepare you for an exciting future career.

Support

We take your health and wellbeing seriously and are committed to supporting you throughout your studies so you can fulfil your potential at university. This support includes

  • a personal tutor who is an academic member of staff who can help you with academic and personal issues throughout your degree
  • a peer mentor scheme which pairs you with a current student from your course to help you navigate your first year at university
  • a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works
  • support, treatment and guidance on mental and physical health from our wellbeing team

Your future

Our graduates have a strong reputation in the industry. They’ve secured jobs with:

  • Ocean Ecology
  • Natural Power
  • BBC Natural History Unit
  • Marine Management Organisation
  • Natural England
  • Environment Agency
  • Cefas

By the end of your course, you’ll have a range of transferable skills that are useful in various careers. Our graduates have built successful careers in fields as diverse as computing and finance.

Industry links

Join our network of confident and successful graduates. They’ve benefitted from our industry links with:

  • Marine Management Organisation
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
  • Natural England
  • Greenpeace
  • National Trust
  • BBC Natural History Unit
  • Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve

Enterprising students

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Careers support

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications.

Our entry requirements and offer information will be finalised in September 2025, when UCAS opens for 2026 entry. Please check the website for any updates at the beginning of September.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

These courses are specifically designed for international students who want to study in the UK and progress onto one of our undergraduate degrees. Our International Study Centre, has a range of study options including:

  • International Foundation
  • International Year One
  • English Language courses

Find out more about International Pathway courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2026-2027

The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.

Qualification: BSc Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (Year 1)

Not set

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (Year 1)

Not set

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

By phone

Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

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Book a one-to-one chat

Book a slot with one of our Marine Biology academic staff for a one-to-one chat about your subject of interest, student experience, and more: Book now

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