Marine Biology with Foundation Year
Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the ocean and other saltwater environments: the organisms that inhabit them, the ecological processes that govern marine communities, and the impact of human activity on the health of marine ecosystems. From microscopic phytoplankton that produce much of the world's oxygen, through the extraordinary diversity of coral reef life, to the largest animals on earth, the sea is home to an unparalleled range of living systems. Understanding and protecting that diversity is one of the most important scientific challenges of our time, as ocean warming, acidification, pollution, and overfishing threaten marine ecosystems globally.
This part-time programme at the University of Salford offers a route into marine biology that includes a foundation year, providing the necessary grounding in biology and environmental science for those who do not yet meet the entry criteria for the main degree. You will study modules that increase your knowledge and understanding of basic biology and aspects of environmental studies, with emphasis on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving alongside practical and communication skills. The BSc Marine Biology that follows is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, reflecting the rigour and professional recognition of the qualification.
Graduates from marine biology programmes go on to work in marine conservation organisations, fisheries management, environmental consultancy, government environmental agencies, research institutions, aquaria and marine education, and the offshore energy sector. The combination of ecological knowledge and practical field and laboratory skills the degree develops is applicable wherever ocean and coastal environments need to be understood, monitored, or protected. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in marine biology, oceanography, fisheries science, or environmental management, and doctoral research is a common route for those drawn to academic or research careers.