Marine Biology with Foundation Year

University of Salford

United Kingdom, Salford

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945

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Home/United Kingdom/Salford /University of Salford/Marine Biology with Foundation Year

University of Salford

United Kingdom , Salford

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

Course ID C163

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 4 year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Marine Biology with Foundation Year

About

Introduction

In a nutshell

Learn about the many challenges facing marine life today with a degree in Marine Biology. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in biology and environmental issues, allowing you to progress onto a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree course, which is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. During the foundation year you will study modules which will increase your knowledge and understanding of basic biology and other aspects of environmental studies. There is an emphasis on both understanding and problem solving in addition to practical and communication skills.

This pathway is recommended if you want to study the full honours degree, but don’t meet the direct entry requirements. Once you successfully complete and pass the foundation year, you will automatically progress onto our full BSc (Hons) Marine Biology honours degree.

Studying 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 curriculum is contemporary, managing to strike a fine balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skill learning.

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:

Gain a broad, basic knowledge of biological principles to prepare you for more advanced study
Develop problem solving, practical and communication skills

Placement

options available

Learn how to conduct underwater marine surveys through field work

Build practical skills in marine conservation on international field trips

Use our professional laboratory facilities

Visit marine centres to learn about global marine conservation efforts

Have the opportunity to participate in field trips around the world

Get support from our experienced tutors

Learn diving skills for marine conservation through our specialist optional modules

Build practical biology skills in our Bodmer labs

This if for you if...

You want an excellent route into science for those from a non-scientific background

You are returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction

You didn't meet the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Requirements

What you need to know

International applicants

This course is not suitable for international students.

If you are an international student, and interested in a foundation year study pathway, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

Applicant profile

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

English language requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.

Standard entry requirements

UCAS tariff points

64 UCAS points

A level

64 UCAS points

BTEC National Diploma

MPP

T Level

If applying for this course, you will need a Pass grade in T Level Science.

Scottish Highers

64 UCAS points from Higher Level

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 UCAS points from Higher Level

European Baccalaureate

Completion of two full years study and an awarded qualification

Access to Higher Education

64 UCAS points from QAA approved access course

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 Baccalaureate

26 points

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry System (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.