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Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen - UCAS

Course summary

Are you fascinated by marine life, exploration and the biology of the sea? In Marine Biology you learn about the diversity of sea life, from the smallest plankton to the largest marine mammals, and investigate their evolution, physiology, ecology and management. You study a range of marine habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, mudflats and estuaries, open ocean and the deep sea, in field- and lab-based practical work. This programme provides you with a strong foundation in biological sciences, principles and methodologies, while providing you with expertise in marine science. The interdisciplinary nature of marine biology means that you will graduate with a holistic understanding of the sea. Your courses include topics in ocean biology, oceanography, marine ecology, population ecology, international laws and policy related to fisheries management, marine-based renewable energy and aquaculture. We are recognized internationally for our marine research on the deep sea, harbour seals and dolphins, seabird ecology, fisheries management, fish and shark biology, and marine protected areas. Our breadth of expertise results in training that is both broad and current. Also, in your final year project you benefit from access to our specialist facilities, field stations and research vessels. Our links with professional and industrial partners, such as Marine Scotland in Aberdeen, The Scottish Association for Marine Sciences in Oban and The North Atlantic Fisheries College Marine Centre in Shetland, mean that you benefit from exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and many students take advantage of our collaborators’ facilities and expertise for their research projects or placements.

Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment method

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability. Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
C350
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit. Curriculum to include: Statistics for Science 1 (H8XT 33) and Ecology & Ecosystems (H93A34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course. For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Animal Care (120 SCQF credit points). B in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: either Ecology unit (H39A 34) or Aberdeen University Online Introductory Ecology Course.

International applicants

In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that students budget £1,023 per month to cover their living costs. International students who require a Student visa to study in the UK also have to pay the NHS health surcharge of £470 per year of study, plus £235 (any additional period of 6 months or less is charged at the rate of half the annual amount) when applying for a visa. International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note that this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.

To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
60%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
International £24800* Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
EU £24800* Year 1
Scotland £1820 Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

EU/International Fees have not been set for Academic Year 2025-26. The fee detailed above was for Academic Year 2024-25. EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Sponsorship information

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen. View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.

Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen - UCAS