Marine & Freshwater Biology

Marine and Freshwater Biology is a discipline dedicated to the scientific study of life in the planet's aquatic systems, from mountain streams and freshwater lakes to estuaries, coastal seas, and the open ocean. These interconnected ecosystems support extraordinary biodiversity, regulate the climate, and underpin food systems that billions of people depend on, yet they are among the most threatened habitats on earth, facing pressures from pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction. Understanding and protecting them requires both rigorous biological and ecological science and the ability to engage with the complex social, economic, and policy contexts in which conservation decisions are made.

At Aberystwyth University, this four-year, full-time degree is one of only a few nationally to provide an integrated catchment-to-ocean understanding of the biology, ecology, and stressors affecting these intimately interconnected ecosystems. You will study the biology and ecology of freshwater and marine environments together, gaining a perspective on how they interact and how pressures in one part of the system affect the other. The integrated foundation year is designed to build the scientific foundations needed before progressing to the main degree, making the programme accessible to students who need additional preparation alongside those who are ready to start their scientific journey from the beginning.

Graduates are well placed for careers in marine and freshwater conservation, environmental consultancy, water quality management, fisheries science, ecological monitoring, research, and environmental policy. The combination of biological depth and systems thinking the degree develops is particularly valued by employers in conservation and environmental organisations. Postgraduate study in marine biology, freshwater ecology, environmental management, or conservation biology is a natural next step for those who wish to specialise further.