Marine Biology

Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the sea and other marine environments, encompassing the extraordinary diversity of organisms that inhabit the oceans, from microscopic phytoplankton and bacteria through invertebrates, fish, and marine mammals to the complex ecosystems of coral reefs, polar seas, and the deep ocean. It draws on cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, oceanography, and evolutionary biology to understand how marine organisms are built, how they function, how they interact with one another and with their physical environment, and how they are adapting or failing to adapt to the profound changes that climate change, ocean acidification, and human exploitation are imposing on the marine environment. As the oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface and support half of global biodiversity, understanding marine life is not merely academically interesting but practically urgent.

At the University of Plymouth, this three-year full-time degree with a foundation year, sandwich year, and option of a year abroad takes advantage of Plymouth's outstanding location as a centre of marine research and its extensive links with organisations working in marine science, fisheries, conservation, and the maritime industries. The foundation year builds the biological and scientific knowledge needed for the degree, and across the programme you will develop skills in ecology, physiology, genetics, oceanography, and marine conservation, alongside the practical fieldwork and laboratory techniques central to marine biological research. Placements and work experience are embedded in the programme, giving you professional exposure in marine research, environmental organisations, or industry before graduation.

Graduates work in marine conservation organisations, fisheries management, environmental consultancy, government agencies responsible for coastal and marine management, aquaculture, and research institutions. The combination of biological knowledge, fieldwork skills, and quantitative data analysis the degree provides is valued across these sectors. Many graduates continue to postgraduate research in marine biology, ecology, fisheries science, oceanography, or conservation biology, building the specialist expertise needed for research and senior professional roles in the marine sciences.