BSc Marine Biology

The majority of life on earth is found under the sea, but most of it remains to be explored. Tropical reefs, deep-sea trenches, seagrass meadows and frozen polar seas are all individually unique and complex environments, but connected within Earth's single, vast ocean. By joining our BSc Marine Biology course, you will be immersed in this fascinating ocean world.

At Essex, you will begin your journey through diverse marine ecosystems from day one. Our team of internationally-renowned academic staff will introduce you to ocean systems and marine ecology through their own research on topics as varied as coral reef conservation, fisheries management, animal behaviour, marine biotechnology, and microbiology. These are taught alongside key scientific skills, including data analysis and interpretation, literature research, and presentation skills to give you a concrete foundation for your scientific career.

You will develop the concepts introduced in lectures through extensive, practical, hands-on experience in the laboratories of our STEM Centre, as well as in the field. Our local estuaries and coastal ecosystems are a natural laboratory on our doorstep. You will investigate the diversity of beautiful Essex salt marshes and interact with key people working to improve our coastline, including Essex Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Colchester Oyster Fisheries. Later in your degree are opportunities to travel to field locations in Scotland, Greece and Indonesia (subject to additional costs) to apply what you have learned. During a trip to Indonesia, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, you will learn to dive and participate in unique underwater research surveys and lectures.

After completing core modules, you will move on to more advanced and specialised modules driven by our departmental research expertise.

In the final year, you will have the opportunity to select an independent research project through which you can further develop your own interests. Previous topics have included:

• studies on oyster fisheries and water quality with local industry
• fieldwork on sea turtle ecology in Greece
• identifying coral reef conservation strategies in the Caribbean and Indonesia.

Visit our course pages for BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology and BSc Global Sustainability to explore our other environmental science undergraduate degrees.

Sustainability at Essex

We're proudly ranked 95th (10th in the UK) for promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for life below water (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025).

To learn about the initiatives and actions the University of Essex is taking to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, visit our sustainability page.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university.

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation. This is usually focussed around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

Our expert staff

As one of the largest schools in our University we offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment with current, research-led study and high-quality teaching. You will benefit from the wide expertise of our research-active academics and their pioneering work on marine issues of national and global importance.

All of our academic staff conduct their own research and have professional expertise that you will benefit from through your studies. From genes to cells, whole animals and through to communities and ecosystems, our marine biology academics design course materials that make their world-class research accessible and inspiring.

You will have the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most and work with academics from our Ecology and Environmental Microbiology Research Group including:

• Learning about Earth's largest unexplored habitat, the deep-sea, with Dr Michelle Taylor – the President of the Deep-Sea Biology Society and BSc Marine Biology course director.
• Understanding cutting-edge biotechnological approaches towards preventing and cleaning-up marine pollution with Dr Boyd McKew, Dr Nick Aldred and Professor Terry McGenity.
• Studying corals, coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove systems with Professor Leanne Hepburn and other expert staff in our School of Life Sciences.
• Learning about animal behaviour, movement and connectivity with Dr Anna Sturrock, a leading fish ecology researcher.
• Understanding the evolution and phylogenetics of marine and freshwater species with Dr Jennifer Hoyal Cuthill who applies machine learning to understanding speciation.
• Learning about the importance of marine and freshwater sediments in climate change and monitoring ocean health with our team of environment experts including Professor Alex Dumbrell and Dr Natalie Hicks.

We are proud that one third of students at the University of Essex are from outside of the UK. The University has a Women's Network to support female staff and students, and the School of Life Sciences has been awarded the Athena Swan Silver Award (2020) reflecting the work carried out by staff in our School to improve equality. Measures include a mentorship scheme, support for postdoctoral research staff and financial help towards childcare costs for academics who wish to attend conferences.

Specialist facilities

Recent investment by our University has allowed for major refurbishment and expansion of our School of Life Sciences:

• Work in an open and friendly department, with shared staff-student social spaces.
• Conduct your final-year research alongside academics and PhD students in shared labs.
• Access new research aquaria for studies of tropical, temperate, marine, and freshwater systems.
• Use state-of-the-art research facilities from behavioural analysis systems and our advanced bioimaging facility to drones for remote sensing surveys.
• Teaching facilities including new undergraduate laboratories.
• Receive training in your first year on using the Oxford Nanopore MinION, a portable handheld device that can sequence genomes in real time.
• Join national and international field courses in Plymouth, Millport, Greece, and Indonesia to learn the latest field techniques.

Your future

As the world's environmental problems worsen, the demand for qualified marine biologists and ecologists continues to grow.

Your degree in marine biology will open up wide-ranging career opportunities, including further study, careers in conservation, science writing and editing, as well as commercial research or consultancy for governmental or non-governmental organisations.

Our past students have taken up work in research laboratories, consultancies, business and industry, conservation practice and environmental assessment. Some have gone on to work in the commercial sector, while others still have chosen to enhance their career opportunities by studying for MSc degrees or PhD degrees.

Recent graduates now work for the following high-profile organisations:

• Marine Biology Research Manager at Hive Ventures
• Process Scientist at Thames Water
• New Earth Solutions
• Engine Group
• Cromwell Council
• DEFRA
• Operation Wallacea
• BBC

We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

"After graduating from Essex I was appointed as a research supervisor at the Archipelagos Insitute of Marine Conservation in Greece. Through researching the marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea, I was exposed to a very different environment to the estuaries and salt marshes of Essex! From shallow coastal seagrass meadows to deep-sea coralligenous habitats, and the vast diversity of fish and invertebrates they host. My journey into environmental research progressed when I was offered a research Masters back at Essex. In collaboration with Project Seagrass, I will be focusing on seagrass restoration and recovery in the southern North Sea, hoping to further this important research and potentially contribute towards climate change initiatives."

Alice Malcolm-McKay, BSc Marine Biology, 2020

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of courses, with most offers at BBC–CCD (112–88 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. Grade requirements may be lower in some cases, and some courses may also have subject specific requirements. We consider each application individually so get in touch if your grades are below those outlined here. .

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

• Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and individual and group projects.
• Gain experience collating and interpreting data, and reporting findings clearly and concisely.
• Benefit from teaching at our local marine biology field centre.
• Undergraduate students in the School of Life Sciences typically attend two or three hours of lectures per week per module, plus two or three laboratory practices per module.

Assessment

• Degrees are awarded on the results of your written examinations together with continual assessments of your practical work and coursework.
• Contribute towards real-world research projects in your final year of study.