Marine Biology with Year Abroad

Marine biology is the study of life in the ocean, from the microscopic organisms at the base of marine food webs to the great whales and the complex reef ecosystems that support a quarter of all marine species. It is a discipline that sits at the intersection of ecology, physiology, oceanography, and conservation science, and it has never been more urgent. Climate change, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction are transforming marine ecosystems at a pace that demands both scientific understanding and effective conservation action.

This four-year full-time programme at the University of Hull with a year abroad takes you through the core biological sciences that underpin marine ecology alongside the specialist knowledge of marine habitats, organisms, and processes. You will study physiology, genetics, ecology, oceanography, and conservation biology, developing quantitative and fieldwork skills alongside your theoretical understanding. The year abroad places you in an international research or academic environment, giving you exposure to different marine ecosystems and research cultures.

With a typical entry tariff of 104 points, the programme is accessible to students with a strong interest in biology and the marine world.

Marine biology graduates move into careers that span science, conservation, policy, and communication. Marine research roles in universities, government agencies such as the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and international bodies are a direct path for those who want to work in science. Environmental consultancy, marine conservation organisations, and the aquaculture and fisheries industries all employ marine biology graduates.

Careers in environmental monitoring, marine spatial planning, and fisheries management connect the science to policy. Marine education, diving instruction, science communication, and documentary production also draw on graduates with expertise in the marine world. Postgraduate study at master's or PhD level in marine biology, oceanography, or conservation science is a well-travelled route for those who want to deepen their research credentials.