Marine Biology

The Marine Biology degree program at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive understanding of the diverse marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. This multidisciplinary course combines elements of biology, ecology, oceanography, and environmental science to provide a holistic view of marine life and its interactions with the oceanic environment. Throughout this program, students will explore topics such as marine biodiversity, marine conservation, fisheries science, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. The curriculum is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including fieldwork techniques, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research projects, engage with industry professionals, and undertake field trips to local marine sites and research facilities. The program emphasizes sustainable management of marine resources and aims to prepare graduates for careers in research, conservation, environmental consultancy, and marine industries. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and close collaboration with marine research organizations, students are well-positioned to develop their expertise and contribute to the preservation of our oceans. The degree also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study or careers in related scientific, environmental, and regulatory sectors. By the end of the program, graduates will have a strong understanding of marine biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and the challenges facing marine environments today, enabling them to make impactful contributions to marine science and sustainable ocean use.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

Stage 1

Biological Diversity
Environmental Biology
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Introductory Skills for Biosciences
Micro-organisms
and normally Biochemistry

This gives Marine Biology students a broad base in the biological sciences on which to build their Stage 2 and Stage 3 studies.

Stage 2

There are three compulsory modules for Marine Biology students at Stage 2:

Adaptations in the Marine Environment (tbc)
Invertebrate Biology
Marine Ecology (with field course)
The remaining modules normally include:
Applied Ecology
Environmental and Applied Microbiology
Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics
plus one other module

Stage 3

During their final year, students take a two-module research project carried out under the supervision of one or more members of the academic staff. The project generally involves practical work carried out in the field and/or at Queen's University Marine Laboratory, in one of the many active areas of marine research in the School of Biological Sciences.

There are three compulsory taught modules at Stage 3:

Marine Processes
Marine Zoology
Ocean Research (with associated short research cruise) (tbc)

Students are also required to take one additional taught module, normally Parasitology or Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-level BBB including Biology or Double Award Applied Science + GCSE Chemistry or Double Award Science + GCSE Mathematics.
  Note: It would be an advantage to have studied Chemistry beyond GCSE level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Chemistry and Mathematics.
  Note: It would be an advantage to have studied Higher Level Chemistry

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Accreditation

The most generally appropriate professional bodies for marine biology graduates are the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom and the Society of Biology.