Marine and Freshwater Biology

University of Stirling

United Kingdom, Stirling

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Home/United Kingdom/Stirling /University of Stirling/Marine and Freshwater Biology

University of Stirling

United Kingdom , Stirling

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

C160

Campuses

on campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 48 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,700 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Marine and Freshwater Biology

About

Aquatic environments cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and play vital roles in regulating global ecosystems, providing food and resources that benefit human mental and physical health. However, these environments are increasingly affected by human activities and environmental changes. Marine and Freshwater Biology is the study of these aquatic ecosystems.

Teaching of this course involves the use of real-world examples from aquatic resources provided through our global partners. You will get hands-on experience in our freshwater and marine facilities, learning how to apply theory to practice.

You'll be trained through modules that will equip you with specialist skills in laboratory techniques, aquatic ecology and using resources sustainably within the developing “blue economy”.

Our combination of lectures, practical work, fieldwork and research projects will ensure that you’ll receive a solid foundation in the subject and be ready for your future career.

By focusing on human impacts and how to manage, conserve, and use aquatic resources sustainably, our course aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, which addresses hunger and food insecurity, and Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.

Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture coordinates this course and it is a world leading centre, with an excellent international reputation in teaching, research, innovation and consultancy. The Institute of Aquaculture has received the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2019. The honour recognises outstanding work that shows quality and innovation, and delivers real benefit to the wider world through education and training. It recognises our pioneering work in the world’s fastest-growing food production sector and our bid to tackle global hunger.

Top reasons to study with us

A research-based learning course led by expert lecturers in the field of marine and freshwater biology with international research links and projects that expand worldwide.

The Institute of Aquaculture ranked first in the UK, in the field of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science, for impact – with 100% of its research having outstanding impact, the highest possible rating (REF 2021).

Gain practical experience with a residential field course on marine mammals and field trips for seashore marine organisms.

Prizes or awards

Every year, a research-based learning prize is awarded to one of our final year students based on performance in the dissertation or other engagement with research in the Institute.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry – Four-year honours

SQA Highers
AABB

GCE A-levels
BBB

IB Diploma
28 points

BTEC (Level 3)
DDM

Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.

Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.

Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.

Year 2 entry – Three-year honours

SQA Advanced Highers
ABB

GCE A-levels
ABB

IB Diploma
32 points

Essential subjects
To include Biology and one of Environmental Science, Geography or Geology.

Other Scottish qualifications

Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.

Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.

SWAP Access course - for mature students only.

Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.

Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B

Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Scottish Higher level or equivalent at Grade B, if HNC or Access course is not science related.

Other qualifications

English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions

English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above

Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country

Advanced entry

Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.

Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.

Other routes of entry

If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the Foundation and International Year 2 routes available.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses

Career

Preparing you for the world of work

This course will enable you to use biological lab skills, use scientific methodology, and assess the scientific literature with critical appraisal and synthesise multiple sources.

The course includes an aquaculture module as the aquaculture sector is a major Scottish industry and employer of marine and freshwater biology graduates.

A second degree (MSc or PhD) is often needed if you want to advance your career to more senior research posts, and many of our graduates go on to pursue further study at Stirling or other UK and international universities.