MBiol

Marine and Freshwater Biology

This course is available through Clearing.
Call free phone: +44 (0) 800 121 40 80

Marine and Freshwater Biology Code C169 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day Clearing places available – 0800 121 40 80

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Key Facts

C169

  • UCAS Tariff

    128 - 120

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2026

Further details on entry requirements

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The MBiol Marine and Freshwater Biology degree at Aberystwyth University is one of only a few nationally to provide you with an integrated catchment to ocean understanding of the biology, ecology and stressors affecting these intimately interconnected ecosystems. This is crucial, given that they support some of the most threatened species and habitats on the planet.  

Situated on the coast of Cardigan Bay in the Dyfi Biosphere, Aberystwyth is one of the best places in the UK to study aquatic biology.You will have easy access to rocky and sandy shores, estuaries of conservation importance, as well as near-pristine rivers and lakes. Cardigan Bay is also home to the largest residential population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. 

Marine and Freshwater Biologists gain extensive experience of the field and laboratory techniques used by professional aquatic scientists during their degree, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-world data. You'll also develop a solid foundation of transferable scientific skills, as evidenced by our Royal Society of Biology advanced accreditation.

This four-year Integrated Masters offers you the opportunity to combine a BSc with an extra year of study so that you graduate with a Masters-level qualification. The course will develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge of marine and freshwater biology and prepare you to be a subject specialist, with the ability to tackle the global marine and freshwater challenges we face. 

Course Overview

Why study Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University?

Aberystwyth has excellent facilities for Marine and Freshwater biologists:

  • situated in the Dyfi Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest on our doorstep.
  • access to diverse habitats including rocky and sandy shores, estuaries, lakes and rivers, all of which allow you to develop professional field sampling skills on our modules.
  • excellent laboratory facilities to support your development in a wide range of analytical techniques.
  • a research vessel enabling you to gain hands-on experience of the sampling techniques used in open water.
  • a modern aquarium housing cold-water and tropical, marine and freshwater species.
  • opportunities to view common and rare UK animal species such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, otters and ospreys.

Our course:

  • provides a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the biosciences which will be invaluable to you within and beyond the field of aquatic science.
  • is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of its quality and career development opportunities.
  • includes a range of specialist module options so that you can pursue your interests in areas such as wildlife conservation, animal behaviour and environmental consultancy.
  • includes optional field courses in both marine and freshwater allowing immersive study and refining your professional skills.
  • is taught by knowledgeable staff whose aquatic research informs their teaching.
  • includes two substantial, independent research projects in your 3rd and final years, during which you will benefit from one-to-one academic supervision.
  • is highly suited to students wishing to improve their employability within fields such as government regulation, environmental consultancy, conservation or scientific research, but also develops skills desirable in a broad range of other graduate professions.

Opportunities!

  • Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia for study abroad.
  • You can choose to study a number of modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the modules tab for more information.
  • Connect with Marine and Freshwater Biology alumni for careers advice and support.

Research-led teaching

  • You’ll be taught by a passionate team who are also active research scientists. Their research informs our teaching and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project. Our marine and freshwater biology lecturers are also enthusiastic and innovative teachers!
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.

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Cell Biology * BR17520 20
Comparative Animal Physiology BR16720 20
Ecology and Conservation * BR19320 20
Genetics, Evolution and Diversity BR17120 20
Microbial and Plant Diversity * BR19920 20
Skills for Wildlife Scientists * BR15720 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Aquatic Botany BR25820 20
Freshwater Biology BR22020 20
Marine Biology BR22620 20
Research Methods * BR27520 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Behaviour BR21620 20
Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring BR26020 20
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology BR25520 20
Invertebrate Zoology BR25420 20
Researching Behavioural Ecology BR27320 20
Vertebrate Zoology BR26820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture BR33220 20
Practical Aquatic Conservation BR37520 20
Research Project * BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behavioural Neurobiology BR35320 20
Environmental Regulation and Consultancy BR35620 20
Freshwater Biology Field Course BR37720 20
Marine Biology Field Course BR30020 20
Population and Community Ecology BR33920 20
Wildlife Conservation & Biodiversity BR37920 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

About this course

The first three years of the course will follow the same syllabus as BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology (C164), which is then followed by an additional year of study, after which you will graduate with a Masters-level qualification. This course has attained advanced accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.

Careers

The Integrated Masters degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology is designed to develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge, along with the competence and confidence in research methods required to pursue a career as a professional scientist. 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. The MBiol is also a recognised alternative to MSc for progression to a PhD studentship, and an excellent foundation for a career as a professional scientist. 

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 our Year in Employment Scheme. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

In the first year you will explore the amazing diversity of life on Earth and the key molecules that make up all life forms through theoretical and practical classes. You will study animal physiology using both invertebrate and vertebrate examples and delve into the multiplicity of microbial life. You will look at ecology and plant biology and consider future challenges such as responding to global climate and conserving biodiversity. You will develop your practical field and laboratory skills, and gain confidence in scientific data collection and analysis. 

In the second year you will focus on marine and freshwater biology and ecosystems and will be introduced to the diversity of aquatic algae and angiosperms occupying a variety of aquatic habitats. You will explore applied aquatic conservation and gain practical experience of the techniques used to monitor, conserve and undertake research in shallow-water environments. 

In the third year you will gain an understanding of the fundamental and applied aspects of fish conservation biology, and the role of selective fishing, aquaculture and conservation in the dynamics and sustainability of fish populations. 

In your final year you will gain practical experience in the application of a range of traditional and novel field and laboratory techniques appropriate to environmental management and biological and ecological investigations. You will acquire skills in scientific journalistic writing and delivering conference presentations. You will also undertake an independent Masters-level research project under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor, which may be embedded within one of several pioneering research groups. 

Throughout the course a range of optional modules allows you to tailor your course to suit your interests. 

How will I be taught?  

Our course is delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and practicals and residential field courses. You will receive thorough training in the scientific method and concepts relating to the evolution and ecology of natural systems with an emphasis on marine and freshwater environments. 

Assessment 

You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, dossiers, posters, portfolios, wikis, reflective diaries, literature reviews, magazine articles, field notebooks and exams.  

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 128 - 120

A Levels ABB-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject

BTEC National Diploma:
BTEC not accepted for this scheme

International Baccalaureate:
32-30 points overall with 6 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75% overall with 7 in a relevant science

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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