Marine Biology with Professional Studies

Marine biology is the study of life in the ocean, and it is a discipline whose importance to society has never been clearer. The oceans cover most of the planet's surface, regulate the climate, produce a significant proportion of the oxygen we breathe, and sustain the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. Yet they are under severe and growing pressure from overfishing, pollution, warming, acidification, and habitat destruction.

Marine biologists apply the full toolkit of biological science, from molecular genetics and physiology to ecology and oceanography, to understand marine systems and to develop the knowledge needed to manage and protect them.

At Queen's University Belfast, this five-year integrated master's programme combines the depth of an undergraduate marine biology education with a professional studies component, giving you both advanced scientific knowledge and direct professional experience. You will study the diversity of marine life from microbes to whales, the ecological processes that structure marine communities, and the cutting-edge technologies used to study ocean systems at scales from molecules to ecosystems. The professional studies element integrates real-world experience into the degree, preparing you not only as a scientist but as a practitioner ready to work in marine management, research, or conservation.

The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the scientific rigour expected.

You will develop the analytical, fieldwork, and laboratory skills that marine research demands, alongside the professional competencies and the master's-level credential that increasingly open doors to senior roles.

Graduates pursue careers in marine research, conservation, environmental consultancy, fisheries management, government agencies, national parks, NGOs, and international environmental organisations. The integrated master's also provides a strong foundation for doctoral research and academic careers in marine and environmental science.