Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry),BSc

On this course you will develop practical skills in the sampling techniques used in the aquatic environment, the critical analysis of data and literature, and the presentation of your findings to a variety of stakeholders. This will ensure you are well prepared for professional roles that seek to understand and address the various challenges facing marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems.

To support your learning, you will have access to a research vessel enabling you to gain real hands-on experience of the sampling techniques used by professional marine and freshwater biologists as well as use of our aquarium systems for experimental studies of marine and freshwater organisms.

Fieldwork and practical classes form an integral part of the course throughout. An optional residential two-centre field course in your final year, currently based in Portugal and Scotland, will allow you to immerse yourself in the study of marine and freshwater biology further afield.

All students have the opportunity to carry out a practical research project in their final year.

The taught component of the Marine and Freshwater Biology with integrated year in industry degree (C166) is identical to the three-year BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology (C164). The year in industry is taken in your third year in the UK or overseas, is supervised and assessed, and will count towards your degree grade. During your year in industry, you will pay a discounted tuition fee.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including ecological consultancy, environmental management and conservation, teaching and scientific journalism. You will also be well prepared to pursue a scientific research career, continuing postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to: 

• apply the learning from your course to the work environment 
• make valuable industry contacts 
• develop practical skills related to your area of study 
• enrich your final year of studies with an enhanced appreciation of its applicability to your career 
• greatly enhance your CV and increase your prospects of success in the job market. 

 Please note that we do not have automatic work placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for securing your own work experience, with the support of our dedicated Year in Industry Coordinator and careers advisor to maximise your chances of success. If you are unsuccessful, you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of the BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology degree.