Course summary
Overview Elevate your career on this Applied Aquatic Biology Master's degree. Learn how to tackle the complex challenges aquatic ecosystems face and foster a deeper understanding of aquatic biology. Located in the heart of diverse marine ecosystems, you'll engage in independent research projects that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead innovative solutions that make a lasting impact on the future of our aquatic ecosystems. You'll also benefit from time spent in our Institute of Marine Sciences, which is home to a thriving research environment and some of the best facilities in the country – ranking Portsmouth third of all post-1992 universities in the UK for research power. Once you graduate, you’ll be set to enter careers in conservation, consultancy, fisheries and further study. Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Eligibility This course accepts UK, EU, and international students. Course highlights
- Undertake independent research at the Institute of Marine Sciences
- Learn how to rear coldwater species for restocking programmes, or trial fish food at the Sparsholt College Fishery and Aquatics facilities
- Learn various advanced field and laboratory techniques to assess and monitor aquatic communities and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems
- Gain subject matter expertise in marine conservation and policy, fisheries management and ecotoxicology and pollution
- Learn how to communicate your work to experts and the general public
- Learn from leading international researchers and industry leaders, including environmental consultancies and government bodies
- aquatic living resources management
- marine NGOs
- private sector consultancy
- government-based research
- conservation
- teaching
- further study or academic research
- scientific journalism
- Marine scientist
- Waste minimisation officer
- Fish house specialist
- Insurance broker
- Laboratory technician
- Maritime and hydorcarbon sales manager
- Environmental monitoring technician
- Reef conservation volunteer
- Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Scottish Sea Farms
- Benthic Solutions Ltd
- North Somerset Council
Modules
Full-time Modules studied You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits. Core Aquatic Biology Research Project - 60 credits Research Toolkit - 30 credits Optional Aquaculture - 30 credits Ecotoxicology and Pollution - 30 credits Fisheries Biology and Management - 30 credits Marine Policy Planning and Conservation - 30 credits Science and the Media - 30 credits Part-time Year 1 You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over two years. Core Research Toolkit - 30 credits Optional Aquaculture - 30 credits Ecotoxicology and Pollution - 30 credits Fisheries Biology and Management - 30 credits Marine Policy Planning and Conservation - 30 credits Science and the Media - 30 credits Year 2 You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over 2 years. Core Aquatic Biology Research Project - 60 credits Optional Aquaculture - 30 credits Ecotoxicology and Pollution - 30 credits Fisheries Biology and Management - 30 credits Marine Policy Planning and Conservation - 30 credits Science and the Media - 30 credits Changes to course content We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies. Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment method
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- presentations
- final year project
Entry requirements
A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement. Applicants may be invited to attend an interview.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 91 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing. | |
| PTE Academic | An overall score of 61 with a minimum of 54 in each skill. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £10400 | Year 1 |
| England | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| International | £19200 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation.
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP