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Undergraduate Study

MSci Marine Biology - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code CF16
Duration 4 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Ecology and Conservation
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 725818

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB
IB: 34/665
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

A-Level: ABC
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Overview

  • Our MSci provides an opportunity to work on a project focused on a specialised areas aligned with one of our leading research groups
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the biology of marine organisms and the ecosystems in which they reside
  • Learn concepts, and develop skills and experience, required to understand all aspects of marine ecosystems and the pressures they face, ranging from overexploitation to climate change
  • Be taught by some of the world’s leading biologists, working in evolution, behaviour, ecology and conservation

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 in the world for Ecology

9th in the ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022

Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences

REF 2021, based on 4-star research

Opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year’s placement in business or industry

I love the research inspired teaching delivered by our academics and the opportunities to get involved in their cutting-edge research. An example of this is my work with Annette Broderick, where I assist in the fitting of satellite tags on Green turtles for her research.

I love watersports so being so immersed in the marine environment fits with my lifestyle very well. The student community is also very strong here and there is so much going on to get involved in.

Read more from Jade

Jade

MSci Marine Biology

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB A in a science subject*
IB 34/665 HL6 in a science subject*
BTEC DDD Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without GCE A-level Science: Applied Science, Animal Management, Agriculture, Countryside Management, Environmental Sustainability, Fish Management, Forestry and Arboriculture, Marine Biology
GCSE C or 4 and B or 5 Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language and grade B or 5 in Mathematics
Access to HE 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade To include at least 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in accepted science subjects*
T-Level T-Levels not accepted N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: ABC
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Studies, and Environmental Science; Geography; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only); Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths/Statistics; Nutrition and Food Science; Physics; Psychology

Course content

The four-year MSci Marine Biology programme mirrors the BSc Marine Biology programme during the first three years, and includes an additional fourth year during which you will undertake an advanced research project. You will also undertake a two-week intensive field course in which your scientific field-research, debating, and presentation skills will be further developed.

The programme provides you with the skills, concepts, and experience required to understand all aspects of marine ecosystems and the pressures they face, ranging from overexploitation to climate change. Our interdisciplinary approach to the study of marine ecosystems, from rocky shores to open-oceans and from shallow surface seas to deep-water habitats, allows you to develop a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques. The interface between research and learning is central to the degree programme and equips our graduates for career opportunities across a wide range of scientific disciplines.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Develop a broad knowledge of the biology of the marine environment alongside core understanding of biological and ecological principles. Emphasis will be placed on theory underpinned by fieldwork and the development of a suite of techniques appropriate to studying life in the sea.

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BIO1434 Ecology and Conservation 30
BIO1433 Marine Biology 30
BIO1435 Animal Diversity 30

Optional modules

30 credits of optional modules or you may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme, as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

CodeModule Credits
BIO1436 Evolution and Genetics 30
BIO1437 Life Processes 30

Make use of the skills and concepts learned in your first year to study marine life with a particular focus on the interaction between organisms and their environments. Concepts explained in detail in the classroom are brought to life in the field.

75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.

a  It is compulsory to take a field course in the second year. If you are unable to go on a field course, you will be required to take BIO2450 Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course instead. BIO2450 is only available if you are not going on the field course.

 

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BIO2426 Analysis of Biological Data 15
BIO2450 Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course [See note a above}15
BIO2460 South West Field Course [See note a above}15
BIO2462 Biology and Ecology of Marine Vertebrates 30
BIO2464 Marine Monitoring 15

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
ECC S2 BSc-MSci MB Opt 2024-5
BIO2407 Population and Community Ecology 15
BIO2423 Wildlife Disease 15
BIO2425 Introduction to Ecological Consultancy 15
BIO2414 Evolutionary Ecology 15
BIO2461 Conservation Science 30
BIO2463 Behavioural Ecology 30
BIO2465 Wildlife Exploitation 15
BIO2467 Adaptations to Life on Earth 15
BIO2466 GIS for Wildlife Mapping 15

Work closely with an academic member of staff and carry out a detailed independent research project in the wild or a laboratory. You may also take a bespoke marine biology residential field course in order to gain practical experience of research in the wild.

75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.

b It is compulsory to take a field course in the final year and you will be allocated based on degree and/or preference. If you do not attend a residential field course, you will be required to take BIO3440 Global Research Skills virtual field-course plus either BIO3407 Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology or another 15 credit module.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BIO3136 Research Project 40
BIO3407 Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology [See note b above]15
BIO3440 Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course [See note b above]15
BIO3441 Penryn 3rd Year Field Course [See note b above]30
LES3001 Preparing to Graduate 5

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
ECC SF BSc-MSci MB Opt 2024-5
BIO3116 Marine Vertebrate Conservation 15
BIO3400 Living in Groups 15
BIO3407 Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology 15
BIO3409 Symbiosis in Marine Systems 15
BIO3410 Sensory Ecology 15
BIO3411 Science in Society 15
BIO3413 Animal Life Histories 15
BIO3415 Ecological Responses to Climate Change 15
BIO3420 Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease 15
BIO3421 Animal Migration 15
BIO3422 Animal Cognition 15
BIO3433 Ocean Management and Conservation 15
BIO3434 Major Transitions in Evolutionary History 15
BIO3440 Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course 15
BIO3443 The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology 15

Work on an advanced literature review and a research project, both focused on a specialised area. The remainder of your time will be spent on a two-week intensive field course.

120 credits of compulsory modules

c You must choose either LESM007 or BIOM4043

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BIOM052 Academic Research Project 60
BioP LESM007 - BIOM4043 [See note d above]
LESM007 Global Challenges Field Course (MSci) 30
BIOM4043 Rewilding the United Kingdom 30
LESM003 Literature Review in the Life Sciences 15
LESM005 Applied Data Analysis 15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year

Fieldwork

Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. When participating in these optional field courses, you will be expected to cover the cost of travel to some locations, which will be outlined clearly beforehand. However, field courses with no additional travel costs are available to select in each year.

You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Fieldwork

We pride ourselves in offering an extensive range of field courses across our Biosciences degrees with exciting local, national and international destinations.

These field courses not only allow you to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations in superb locations, but also provide a fantastic opportunity to forge lasting relationships with fellow students and academics.

The residential field courses are an opportunity to apply your field skills first-hand in environments studied by our world-leading Ecological researchers. They are designed to complement your degree and highlight conservation issues at the forefront of the subject for terrestrial and marine species and habitats.

» Read more about our field courses

Please note, whilst a compulsory field course is included in the tuition fee, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. Field course destinations are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Fieldwork
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Independent study
  • Regular research seminars, by our staff and visiting lecturers

Learn from experts

We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and being taught by experts. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be an active member of a research team. Our academics bring their results from the laboratory and the field directly to their teaching, and our students also help to collect this data.

In your final year you will become an active member of our research team. We have very close links with a wide range of conservation organisations in the UK and overseas, such as the British Trust for Ornithology, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Marine Conservation Society. These links mean you will benefit from frequent guest lectures, placement opportunities and project work.

Assessment

Your first year does not count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress. All marks after your first year count towards your final classification.

Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation.

Academic support

  • Personal Tutor: You will have a Personal Tutor available for advice and support throughout your studies.
  • Study skills: Help with essay writing, research skills, time management, presentations and more.

Peer mentoring

All first-years will have the opportunity to join dynamic weekly groups, hosted by both second-year and PhD Biosciences students in Cornwall, which span a range of key areas, such as:

  • Social and pastoral care
  • Key skills
  • Employability
  • Discipline-specific support

These groups allow you to benefit from advice from your more experienced peers, helping ease your transition into university life.

The subject of the inaugural meeting is decided by the group leader, but you can then suggest subsequent session topics, so sessions are tailored to your direct needs.

Social media groups, such as on Facebook and Google, are also used for continued group discussions and communication outside of the weekly meetings.

There are direct links between session content and modules, which immediately follow lectures where possible.

Facilities

Our facilities include:

  • Teaching laboratories
  • Computing suites
  • Field equipment for research projects
  • Library and online resources
  • Access to research vessel used to support undergraduate teaching and research projects

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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So far, the best part of this programme was the trip to the Azores in September. We spent twelve days on the archipelago and saw so many amazing species such as sperm whales and risso’s dolphins! It was an amazing way to get closer to my course mates, learn lots about the industry and see some amazing things!

Rhiannon

MSci Marine Biology

Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

A degree in Biosciences will help you to develop a wide range of essential skills such as analytical problem solving, team work and organising and communicating information. Many of our students continue their studies in the subject by following a further degree and research in their chosen area.

Supporting your career in Biosciences

Each year Biosciences students are able to access a huge range of opportunities to support their future career options. Sector related careers and employability sessions are put on for the students over the course of their programme which include: career talks and networking events with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds, employability seminar series events hosted by employers, ‘Dragons Den’ style assessment days, mock interviews and an annual Careers Fair where students can develop networking skills.

Careers Services

We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.

Career paths

Many of our graduates are employed in discipline-relevant roles in the UK and overseas including laboratory-based positions, conservation management, ecology, teaching and nursing. Others use the skills gained on their course to enter widely different career paths in law, business or management. Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Biosciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.

Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Biosciences undergraduate programmes*. 

Recent graduates are now working as:

  • Conservation professionals
  • Biological scientists
  • Environment professionals
  • Laboratory technicians
  • Welfare and housing associate professionals
  • Web design professionals
  • Public relations professionals
  • Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
  • Archivists and curators

Recent graduates are now working for:

  • AECOM
  • Cornwall Science Community
  • Darwin Ecology
  • Ecology Solutions
  • Fishtek Consulting
  • Harris Lamb Property Consultants
  • Natural England
  • Society for the Protection of Turtles
  • UKSTEM Ltd
  • World Wildlife Fund

Further study

Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Biosciences undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes*. 

  • MPH/MRes/PhD Biological Sciences
  • MPH Medical Studies
  • MRes Ecosystem and Environmental Change
  • MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
  • MSc Environment and Human Health
  • MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
  • MSc Immunology
  • MSc Marine Environmental Management
  • MSc Surveying and Land/Environmental Management
  • MSc Toxicology

*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

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