Marine and Freshwater Biology

On this course you will develop practical skills in the sampling techniques used in the aquatic environment, the critical analysis of data and literature, and the presentation of your findings to a variety of stakeholders. This will ensure you are well prepared for professional roles that seek to understand and address the various challenges facing marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems. 

To support your learning, you will have access to two research vessels enabling you to gain real hands-on experience of the sampling techniques used by professional marine and freshwater biologists as well as use of our aquarium systems for experimental studies of marine and freshwater organisms. 

Fieldwork and practical classes form an integral part of the course throughout. An optional residential two-centre field course in your final year, currently based in Portugal and Scotland, will allow you to immerse yourself in the study of marine and freshwater biology further afield. 

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. 

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including ecological consultancy, environmental management and conservation, teaching and scientific journalism. You will also be well prepared to pursue a scientific research career, continuing postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level. 

 What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?  

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers.  

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and our Year in Employment Scheme.   

"I enjoyed my time studying Marine and Freshwater Biology and I am able to now apply various aspects of what I was taught during my three years to my current job role, even though it is not directly related to my course. The practical elements of my course were excellent, especially the two 3rd year field trips." Rebecca – Project officer,  Forestry Commission

"Studying Marine & Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth makes the course that bit more special. The location is perfect as you have both the sea and inland freshwater systems running through Aberystwyth into the sea. There is an array of diverse organisms right on your door-step at Aberystwyth; combining that with a lot of research in the field and the aquarium facilities makes the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable!" Richard Harris

"With the knowledge and scientific mindset I gain though my studies, I hope to be able to help preserve these fascinating environments for future generations. The course has been great; its main strength is its variety, with an array of topics covered over the three years in increasing detail." George William Middleton

"The course gave me a good grounding in all aspects of marine and freshwater biology. There were plenty of opportunities for fieldwork in the course, including the dissertation project, which prepared me for the survey skills needed in my current job." Laura – Environment Officer Gwynedd County Council

"At the Marine Conservation Society I head the conservation team of 17 individuals working on everything from overfishing and the need for marine reserves to dealing with the growing problem of plastic waste at sea. I'm 37 now and I look back at my time in Aber with real fondness. The study helped, but the most important thing for me was that I developed an interest in the sea. Aber was a truly great place to do that, living on the seafront, and diving with the University sub-aqua club." Simon – Head of Science, Marine Conservation Society

I really enjoyed the course. This made it easier to get up for lectures in the morning! The field courses were a highlight and nothing beats getting out there and getting your hands wet, whether it is doing a kick-sample in a small stream or doing a transect down a rock-pool strewn shoreline.  I really liked the broad scope of the course and the opportunity to tailor the course through the various optional modules in the second and third years. As such it has given me a great grounding in biological science as a whole – essential for a role where you have to consider the whole ecosystem and look at so much more than just the fish and the immediate riverine habitat.  Stuart Manwaring – Fisheries Technical Officer, Environment Agency