Marine Zoology BSc Honours
- UCAS code: C350
- Full time
- 3 years
Our Marine Zoology BSc Honours degree offers a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of animals that live in the oceans.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2026
Next start date:
- September 2026
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 zoologist 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 Zoology. This foundation will help you understand more complex challenges and solutions as you progress in your degree.
You will study the form, function and classification of marine animals. You'll focus on cell biology and genetics, marine ecosystems and biological oceanography. You'll gain experience through laboratory classes, fieldwork and time on our research vessel.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Marine Biology | 20 |
Animal Life | 20 |
The Marine Environment | 20 |
Skills for the Biosciences | 20 |
You'll explore more advanced concepts of marine zoology, including molecular biology and genomics.
You’ll study organisms, from zooplankton to marine mammals and birds.
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
Compulsory module | Credits |
---|---|
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Global Marine Ecology | 20 |
Vertebrate Biology | 20 |
Academic and Employability Skills | 20 |
Optional modules
You take two of the following optional modules:
Optional module | Credits |
---|---|
Animal Function (Physiology and Development) | 20 |
Evolution and Behaviour | 20 |
Applied Marine Biology | 20 |
Marine Fisheries Science | 20 |
In your final year, you’ll complete a marine research project. This can take place in the UK or overseas.
As a 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 will focus on the latest research in the field, including:
- deep-sea ecology
- DNA meta-barcoding
- conservation of whale populations
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
Compulsory module | Credits |
---|---|
Physiological Zoology | 20 |
Global Marine Science | 20 |
Research Project | 40 |
Optional modules
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional module | Credits |
---|---|
Global Challenges & Solutions | 20 |
Marine Biodiversity & Conservation | 20 |
You take one of the following optional modules:
Optional module | Credits |
---|---|
Career Development | 20 |
Environmental Impact Assessment | 20 |
Biodiversity Science and Management | 20 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
During the course, you'll be taught via a variety of methods, including:
- lectures/seminars
- laboratory practicals
- research vessel practicals
- fieldwork
- research project
- small group tutorials
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
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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 skills
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.
You'll develop strong practical skills including:
- field sampling methods
- field observations and recording
- measuring environmental and biological characteristics of estuarine and coastal environments
- experimental design and data handling
Field trips are vital as you explore the marine biology of different environments. These include:
- exploring the marine environment on the Isle of Cumbrae
- overseas residential field course in locations such as Portugal, Mexico, or Malaysia
For any residential field course activity a student contribution will be required.
Business skills
You'll gain industrial experience through:
- employability skills module in Stage 2
- work placements
- study abroad opportunities
- industrial visits
You'll also develop key business 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 and you'll learn about the latest research from our school and your lecturers in the lab and out at sea. Recent discoveries include:
- a new species of sawshark (Pliotrema kajae)
- microplastics in deep sea systems
We’ll equip you with key research skills, including:
- proficiency in advanced data analysis software such as PRIMER and ArcGIS
- statistical analysis
- practical survey skills
Some recent student dissertation titles:
- Spatial and taxonomic variation in coral susceptibility to heat stress at restoration sites in the Maldives.
- Investigating the impact of vessel presence on the behaviour of the common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncates
- Photographic Identification of Blue Sharks, Prionace glauca, Off the Southwest of the UK
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
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 | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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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.
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
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
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 UCASApply 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.
Get in touch
By phone
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