BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Foundation Year · University of SalfordBachelor's degree · 4 years
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The University of Salford · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Salford

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Salford. You'll examine environmental issues alongside marine ecosystems, developing the practical and analytical skills needed for research-led teaching.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
85%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Develop strong knowledge biology and environmental issues with our Marine Biology with Foundation Year degree. Laboratory and fieldwork-based learning. Research-led teaching. Apply now. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Salford. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.2
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent80

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent85

Moderate evidence Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Foundation 4 modules
  • Mathematical Methods and Information Technology
    Module details

    Mathematical methods and practise using Information Technology for effective presentation and communication of data and ideas

  • Professional Communications
    Module details

    Provides students with a structured and supportive environment to develop their academic practice and professionalism through lectures and tutor-led seminars

  • Science for Health
    Module details

    Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health – e.g. pollution, nutrition, drug development and consider examples of environmental interventions and clinical trials

  • Environmental Conservation
    Module details

    Provides fundamental introductions to ecology, sustainability, environmental management, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services. Teaches practical approaches to sustainable resource development, conservation techniques and priorities in habitat and wildlife management. Provides essential skills in literature review and report writing

Year one 6 modules
  • Introduction to Marine Biology
    Module details

    Equips you with knowledge of marine ecosystems and marine organisms. Presents an overview of the biodiversity of marine organisms, their evolution, behaviours, intra- and inter-specific interactions and adaptations to their environments. Provides opportunity to work under lab conditions to recognise morphological adaptations to different environments

  • Global Distribution of Wildlife
    Module details

    Gives an overview of the world's major biomes and, using case studies from around the globe, explores the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities and the way wildlife adapts to these factors. Provides understanding of how the application of biogeographic principles can aid conservation planning

  • Biodiversity
    Module details

    Gives an overview of Earth's biodiversity, focusing on the major groups, their characteristics, their diversity, and their evolutionary relationships

  • Genes to Ecosystems
    Module details

    First trimester provides a systems-led approach to understand basic concepts of genetics. Second trimester extends this approach to understand basic concepts of ecosystems

  • Biological Skills
    Module details

    Helps 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

    Learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year one and beyond. Gain appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills

Year two 6 modules
  • Ocean Challenges
    Module details

    Learn about the challenges faced by the marine ecosystems and marine organisms. Provides opportunity to engage in actual data collection and data analysis during a residential course (compulsory to the module). Look at contemporary environmental issues in marine biology. Encourages investigative approach to ecological studies

  • Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)
    Module details

    Provides an overview of how diversity in the animal kingdom has evolved. Illustrates the basic principles of evolution as a force to create biodiversity

  • Conservation Biology
    Module details

    Introduces 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. Gives you the chance to design an appropriate conservation programme for a species or population

  • Coastal Management
    Module details

    Engages 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. Considers socio-economics, governance and representation, power, equality, and ethics. Encourages you to consider multiple perspectives

  • Research Skills
    Module details

    Shows you how to learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and develop your practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during the rest of the course and beyond

  • Data Science
    Module details

    Develops 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. Focus on developing skills with the statistical programming language R

Year three 8 modules
  • Fisheries Science
    Module details

    Gives 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

    Equips you with knowledge and skills of cutting-edge biotechnologies applied to the marine ecosystem. Provides opportunity to engage in bioinformatic data analysis during computer-based sessions

  • Applied Aquatic Biology
    Module details

    Enables 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. Provides necessary skills and techniques to undertake biological and chemical evaluation of water quality ecology, fish population and condition. Provides necessary laboratory skills to test water quality to the standards of the Water Framework Directive UK

  • Final Year Project and Professional SkillsOptional
    Module details

    Allows you to develop independent, experimental, investigative and analytical research skills as you conduct a substantial research project based around a specific aspect/topic in your relevant bioscience discipline area

  • Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)Optional
    Module details

    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. Learn about science communication and the variety of methods in which science can be disseminated and communicated. Develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability

  • Environmental Geographical Information SystemsOptional
    Module details

    Develops 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. Teaches the theory behind GIS as well as how GIS can be applied to Wildlife Conservation. Provides 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

    Provides students with the opportunity to gain a critical understanding and experience of underwater surveying techniques in a field setting. Provides 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

    Provides understanding of the underlying scientific principles of how the changing climate has an effect on the natural world, urban environments and society. Gives 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. Provides skills to effectively communicate your ideas in formal and informal settings

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 course combines strong foundations in biology and environmental science with laboratory and fieldwork-based learning. You'll usually begin with cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical skills in lab technique and scientific writing. In Year 2, a course like this typically progresses to molecular biology and physiology, with a lab project introducing research design. By Year 3, you'll specialise in areas such as ecology and conservation, biomedical science, molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience, whilst studying current research topics and undertaking an extended supervised investigation. Throughout, research-led teaching connects you to live science.

Who it's for

You're drawn to marine environments and how organisms interact with their surroundings. You enjoy hands-on laboratory work and time outdoors, and you're comfortable with quantitative analysis. You may be entering higher education with A-levels or equivalent, or you may need the extra time the foundation year provides to build confidence in scientific fundamentals before tackling honours-level material. This course suits those aiming for research, environmental consultancy, or other science-based careers, or those simply driven by curiosity about marine life and ecosystems.

Careers & job market

Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, and 60% of those working are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Graduate earnings across the UK vary by role and sector: starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically range from £23,000 to £29,000, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. The foundation year and four-year structure give you time to develop specialist expertise and build networks in marine science.

University & format

The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford. This degree is studied full-time over 4 years and taught in English. As a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding body, your BSc (Hons) is recognised across the UK. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
85%
Learning opportunities
80%
Assessment and feedback
77%
Academic Support
81%
Organisation and management
73%
Learning resources
85%
Student voice
82%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysRegister for our next Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 64 - 79 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Salford's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent90%
an Access course10%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesDDDA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Salford whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at University of Salford →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Salford funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

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.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£25,000£23,000 – £26,50035
3 years after£18,500£14,000 – £23,000170
5 years after£22,500£17,000 – £28,000180

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

85%
in work or further study 15 months on
30%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
60%
find their work meaningful
50%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£23,000 – £29,000
After 3 years LEO
£18,500
£20,400 – £28,800
After 5 years LEO
£22,500
£25,075 – £35,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £17,000 – £37,000

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.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

85 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

65% working20% working and studying5% in further study30% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
  • Animal care and control servicesSOC 2020 612 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,997
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Biological Sciences courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • NHS & hospital labs
  • Pharma & biotech
  • Universities & institutes
  • Public-health bodies

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 80.4% · in work or study 85% · continued 80%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Salford

All students26,030
International19.1%
Aged 25+31.8%

Biological and sport sciences across the UK

Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%

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.

Violent Crime 7Other Crime 1Other Theft 1Theft From The Person 1

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 set per course by University of Salford; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 64 - 79 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Salford. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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