BSc (Hons) Marine Biology Bachelor's degree at the University of Salford
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology at University of Salford covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Gain a systematic understanding of key aspects of the marine environment with our accredited BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree. Research-led teaching. Laboratory-based learning. Include a placement. Apply Now. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Salford. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 6 modules
- Introduction to Marine Biology
Module details
This module will equip you with knowledge of marine ecosystems and marine organisms. A comprehensive series of lecture sessions, delivered by marine biologists and an invited seminar speaker, will present an overview of the biodiversity of marine organisms, their evolution, behaviours, intra- and inter-specific interactions and adaptations to their environments. The module provides the you with the opportunity to work under lab conditions to recognise morphological adaptations to different envir
- Genes to Ecosystems
Module details
In the first trimester, this module provides a systems-led approach to understand basic concepts of genetics. In the second trimester, this approach is extended to understand basic concepts of ecosystems.
- Biological Skills
Module details
This module will help you develop practical laboratory skills employed in biological laboratory practice and relevant to cell, organismal, micro and molecular biology, which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work.
- Study Skills for Marine Biology
Module details
In this module you will learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and will develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year one and beyond. You will also gain an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills.
- Biodiversity
Module details
Life arose on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago. Today, Earth hosts an extraordinary diversity of organisms, with recent study estimating that there are between 2 and 20 million eukaryote species alive today (the vast majority of which have still not been identified and described by scientists). However, this is a small fraction of all the species that have ever lived, >99.9% of which are extinct. This module will give you an overview of this remarkable biodiversity, focusing on the major gro
- Global Distribution of Wildlife
Module details
This module will give an overview of the world's major biomes and, using case studies from around the globe, will explore the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities and the way wildlife adapts to these factors. Moreover, the module will provide you with a sound understanding of how the application of biogeographic principles can aid conservation planning.
Year two 6 modules
- Ocean Challenges
Module details
In this module you will learn about the challenges faced by the marine ecosystems and marine organisms. The module provides you with the opportunity to engage in actual data collection and data analysis during a residential course (compulsory to the module). You will also look at contemporary environmental issues in marine biology. The module encourages you to adopt an investigative approach to ecological studies.
- Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)
Module details
This module provides an overview of how diversity in the animal kingdom has evolved. It also illustrates the basic principles of evolution as a force to create biodiversity.
- Conservation Biology
Module details
This module will introduce you to the modern concepts of conservation biology at the level of species and populations, the existing tensions between theory and practice in species conservation planning, and an overview of the interdisciplinary toolbox used by conservation biologists (for example IT packages and DNA fingerprints). You will also be given the chance to design an appropriate conservation programme for a species or population, including the projection of future survival under varying
- Coastal Management
Module details
This module will engage you in some of the most challenging marine management problems currently faced as well as highlighting the complexity and controversy around the way we use the sea. You will grapple the uncomfortable realities of the trade-off faced by marine managers and policy developers, moving beyond that traditional ecological issues to consider socio-economics, governance and representation, power, equality, and ethics. The module will encourage you to consider multiple perspectives
- Research Skills
Module details
The aim of this module is to show you how to learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and to develop your practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during the rest of the course and beyond.
- Data Science
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop the skills of students in data handling, data analysis and quantitative methods across a broad area within the Biological Sciences, with relevance for transferrable workplace skills and future employability. There will be a focus on developing skills with the statistical programming language R, which is becoming an industry standard and skill often sought by employers.
Year three 8 modules
- Fisheries Science
Module details
This module will give you a broad understanding of the world's fisheries, their usefulness, their drivers, their controversies; and the ability to assess the conflicts of interests among stakeholders.
- Marine Biotechnology
Module details
This module will equip you with knowledge and skills of cutting-edge biotechnologies applied to the marine ecosystem. This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in bioinformatic data analysis during computer-based sessions.
- Applied Aquatic Biology
Module details
This module aims to enable you to gain a knowledge and critical understanding of the biology and ecology of freshwater systems relevant to the water industry and related organisations which regulate and control pollution of the aquatic environment. It also provides you with the necessary skills and techniques to undertake biological and chemical evaluation of water quality ecology, fish population and condition to apply these in novel situations to generate data for interpretation. In particular
- Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional SkillsOptional
Module details
This dissertation module allows you to develop independent research skills, including data analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. You will learn about science communication and the variety of methods in which science can be disseminated and communicated, and then put these methods into practice. You will also develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability.
- Final Year Project and Professional SkillsOptional
Module details
This dissertation module allows you to develop independent research skills, including both data collection/generation (for example, via lab-based research or fieldwork) and analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. You will also develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability.
- Environmental Geographical Information SystemsOptional
Module details
This module is to develop your geographical information systems (GIS) knowledge and ability to use the ArcGIS software and understand the factors controlling the design and implementation of GIS solutions to map, monitor and model terrestrial environments. You will learn the theory behind GIS as well as how GIS can be applied to Wildlife Conservation. You will gain hands on experience of using GIS on a species of your choice and determine how GIS can inform conservation decision making.
- Diving for Marine ConservationOptional
Module details
The aims of this module are to provide students with the opportunity to gain a critical understanding and experience of underwater surveying techniques in a field setting. In addition students will receive a structured series of lectures to provide an appreciation of the different diving techniques and how to critically analyse marine underwater data.
- Mitigating Climate ChangeOptional
Module details
In today's current climate, it is important to understand the underlying scientific principles of how the changing climate has an effect on the natural world, urban environments and society. This module will give you this knowledge, and the confidence to analyse the implications of change on biodiversity, ecosystems and society, whilst identifying the adaptations and mitigation options that are available. You will also learn how to explore the viability of these options and gain the skills to ef
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree combines systematic study of the marine environment with research-led teaching and laboratory-based learning. You'll usually begin with foundations in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical skills in lab technique, statistics and scientific writing. In the second year, you'll progress to molecular biology and specialist marine science, developing your research methods through hands-on lab projects. Year 3 moves towards independent investigation: you'll choose specialist options such as ecology and conservation, biotechnology, or molecular biology, engage with current research literature, and undertake an extended research project. The course includes a placement, giving you experience in the field or marine research settings.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking flexible study in marine biology whilst balancing other commitments. Part-time study allows you to develop expertise in biological sciences without full-time campus attendance. It's designed for learners ready to engage with both theoretical foundations and practical application in a marine context.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 60% in highly skilled roles or continuing their education. Graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £23,000–£29,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. The qualification's recognition by the Royal Society of Biology may support professional progression in marine and biological careers.
University & format
The University of Salford is a public university founded in 1896, based in Salford. This BSc (Hons) Marine Biology is studied part-time and taught in English. The course is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. It is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Optional placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Salford →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Salford
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Salford University
10 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Salford from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,600 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Salford’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Salford and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Salford
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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