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Applied Aquatic Biology at University of Portsmouth - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

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
Careers and opportunities Graduates of this course have gone onto areas such as:
  • aquatic living resources management
  • marine NGOs
  • private sector consultancy
  • government-based research
  • conservation
  • teaching
  • further study or academic research
  • scientific journalism
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
  • 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
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation. Career planning During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate. Course structure Full-time We recommend that full-time students allocate 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job Part-time We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job Studies include teaching time (lectures, seminars, labs and tutorials), course work, independent learning and assessments There's lots of lab and field work as part of this course – full-time students could be in labs and lectures up to three days per week

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
  • Applied Tropical Marine Ecology (30 credits)
  • 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
  • Applied Tropical Marine Ecology (30 credits)
  • 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
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
PTE Academic65An overall score of 65 with a minimum of 62 in each skill.
TOEFL (iBT)9191 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing.
Cambridge English AdvancedCambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169.
Trinity ISETrinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £10900 Year 1
England £10900 Year 1
Northern Ireland £10900 Year 1
Scotland £10900 Year 1
Wales £10900 Year 1
Channel Islands £10900 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £10900 Year 1
International £19200 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

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.
Applied Aquatic Biology at University of Portsmouth - UCAS