Marine Biology

University of Salford

United Kingdom, Salford

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945

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Home/United Kingdom/Salford /University of Salford/Marine Biology

University of Salford

United Kingdom , Salford

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

Course ID C161

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 18,120 / years

Next Intake September-2026

Marine Biology

About

Introduction

In a nutshell

Climate change, pollution and unsustainable fishing are just some of the many challenges facing marine life today. Our BSc (Hons) Marine Biology will enable you to gain a systematic understanding of key aspects of the marine environment, including the animals, as well as a detailed insight into the industry that relies on it.

The Marine Biology course curriculum is contemporary, managing to strike a fine balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skill learning. Practical training is particularly relevant and will be delivered during two residential field trips. The first one, in the second year of study, will be carried out in Scotland, at the renowned FSC Millport Field Station. A second international residential field trip will be organised in the third year.

The programme, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology aims to prepare future leaders, figures whom, thanks to skills acquired at the University of Salford, will be actively involved in managing and preserving the oceans.

This programme includes an optional placement year approved by an academic placement coordinator, which offers you the chance to put your studies to use in a real working environment.

Start your study journey

Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying marine biology, explore our facilities and meet the course team

You will:

Develop the skills necessary to manage and preserve our oceans
Have the opportunity to get real-world experience through field trips and placements
Combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills

Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

Build practical skills in marine conservation on international field trips

Learn how to conduct underwater marine surveys through field work

Get support from our experienced tutors

Visit marine centres to learn about global marine conservation efforts

Have the opportunity to participate in field trips around the world

Use our professional laboratory facilities

Learn diving skills for marine conservation through our specialist optional modules

Build practical biology skills in our Bodmer labs

This is for you if...

You are interested in the study of the marine environment and processes

You want to learn more about biodiversity, challenges faced and management of the oceans

You want a career in marine biology to help preserve the oceans

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Requirements

What you need to know

Applicant profile

You should be interested in the study of the marine environment and processes, its biodiversity, challenges faced and management.

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, which means that it meets their requirements for receiving up-to-date knowledge in the right learning, support and teaching environment. Studying an accredited course is one way of showing employers you have the knowledge and skills that they are looking for in graduates and has the potential benefits of greater employability prospects and enhanced competitiveness in a crowded global jobs market.

Standard entry requirements

UCAS tariff points

104 - 112 UCAS points

A level

104 - 112 UCAS points including a grade C at A2 Biology. A Pass in the Practical Element of Science A levels must be achieved.

BTEC National Diploma

DMM in a suitable science subject, which must include biology

BTEC Higher National Diploma

Possible entry to year 3

T Level

If applying for this course, you will need 120 UCAS points in T Level Science.

Foundation Degree

Possible entry to year 3

Scottish Highers

104 - 112 UCAS points including Higher Level Biology

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 - 112 UCAS points including Higher Level Biology

European Baccalaureate

Pass in Diploma of at least 60% including at least one science subject

International Baccalaureate

30 points including grade 4 in Higher Level Biology

Access to HE

104-112 UCAS points from QAA Approved Access Science Couse, must include Biology

GCSE

English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above. Equivalents are accepted.

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

English Program Requirements

Equivalent qualifications

English language requirements are shown on individual course pages. Generally, this is shown as an IELTS grade, however we accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

As a general guide:

For undergraduate courses we require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent

For postgraduate courses, we require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent

For the International Foundation Year, we require IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum 4.0 in each component) in UKVI IELTS for UKVI (Academic)

The approved equivalent qualifications list includes the following:

Secure English Language Tests (SELTs)

University of Salford English language courses

Regional-based qualifications

Majority English Speaking Countries as deemed by UKVI

Medium of English Institutions

Applicants who require a Student Route visa to study in the UK may require evidence of a Secure English Language test rather than an examination or qualification due to visa requirements, as deemed by the UK Government Home Office, Visa and Immigration (UKVI).

Career

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Employment

The course is designed to help you to develop a range of personal and professional skills which will make you highly-employable. These include specialised knowledge of marine ecosystems, organisms and conservation as well as field work, data interpretation, report writing and team work skills among others.

Climate change, pollution and unsustainable fishing are just some of the many challenges facing marine life today. Studying marine biology and building an understanding of the marine environment is the first essential step to finding solutions to these global issues.

Marine biology graduates can enter a wide range of career paths. These include careers related to the wider sciences training such as science communication and publishing, science administration, to marine life conservation and management. Other graduates may go on to work in the environmental consultancy industry, marine biotechnology as well as research institutes and government agencies.

Further study

You might find you want to learn more about biosciences. Building on our scientific expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a generous fees discount.

Marine Biology graduates can also choose to follow a research programme with our Biomedical Research Centre or our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre to further their knowledge in topics such as microbiology, parasitology and conservation. Learn more about postgraduate research opportunities available through our Doctoral School.