BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including a Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at the University of Chester
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including a Foundation Year) at University of Chester. Marine biology at Chester sits at the intersection of field ecology and laboratory science.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including a Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Chester, based in Chester Parkgate Road/Kingsway/Riverside/Queen's Park Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (2022-23; 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 Year 3 modules
- Introduction to Scientific PrinciplesCore40 credits
Module details
This module will present core topics in Chemistry and Biology that will provide a solid foundation for students to build on in Terms 2 & 3 in their course-specific modules. Laboratory sessions will underpin topics and maths skills will be integrated throughout the module.
- Animal BiologyCore40 credits
Module details
This module will build upon core biological topics from Term 1 with a focus on non-human animals. Laboratory sessions and digital activities will align with the topics in the lectures and workshops. A thread of Animal Behaviour will run throughout the module, along with 'field' activities which will develop observation and recording skills.
- Animals in the AnthropoceneCore40 credits
Module details
This course will explore the relationships between animals and their changing environments. We will begin with the foundational principles of ecology and the benefits that ecosystems provide to humanity. We will then investigate various ways humans impact the environment, discussing how these changes affect animal populations and biodiversity. The module will culminate with study of conservation strategies, which are crucial for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of species in the
Year 1 11 modules
- Science of LifeCore40 credits
Module details
You will learn the essential concepts and skills that form the backbone of a degree in biological sciences. Through theory and practical sessions, this module will guide you through every level of biological organisation, from the smallest cellular structures to an introduction to animal behaviour and ecology. Throughout this module, you will develop academic, practical, and analytical skills that will support your studies and career development.
- Exploring and Researching Life SciencesCore40 credits
Module details
You will explore the fundamentals of scientific research, including how to develop research questions, work with relevant literature, understand basic statistical concepts and communicate research findings. Key biological topics, such as advanced physiology and genetics, will be covered, emphasising the connection between theory and practical, hands-on experience. You will then focus on topics specific to your course. If you have chosen to study Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare Science, Marine B
- Global BiodiversityCore20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on the diversity of life on Earth. You will examine the principles that explain biodiversity while exploring the taxonomy, systematics, evolution, and ecology of the major taxa that comprise life on Earth. You will learn how biological diversity is measured, valued, and conserved, preparing you for more advanced studies in animal conservation-related topics.
- Project Based Learning in BiosciencesOptional20 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to gain further practical skills and develop your own projects. You will explore various experimental methods through subject-specific workshops in the laboratory or field. Working in groups, you will apply these skills and your previous training in formulating research questions, to conduct your own study. In doing so you will need to consider ethical factors and practical constraints where relevant. At the end of the module, you will be able
- German: Communication in PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.
- French: Communication in PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.
- Spanish: Communication in PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is designed for students that have completed an A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.
- Chinese: Intermediate Language DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.
- French: Intermediate Language DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.
- Spanish: Intermediate Language DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.
- Subsidiary Language for BeginnersOptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills.
Year 2 3 modules
- Adaptations to the EnvironmentCore20 credits
Module details
This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of, and appreciation for, how animals adapt to the varied environments in which they live, in response to the problems of life associated with each unique environment. This includes how and why the animals have evolved the way they did in terms of their morphology, physiology and behaviour while considering the ecology of each habitat type. While the majority of the module looks back at animal evolution, part of it looks forward too by
- Behavioural EcologyCore20 credits
Module details
Behavioural Ecology builds on the theory and practical skills introduced in the first year (Level 4). You will develop your understanding of how evolutionary theory enables us to explain and predict animal behaviour as a product of selective pressures in their natural environment. Practical sessions will allow you to practice behavioural observation and measurement skills while designing a proposal for a behaviour study investigating an area of animal behaviour of your choice.
- Blue Frontiers: Exploring Ocean EcologyCore40 credits
Module details
This module explores the interaction between organisms within ocean environments and the physical and chemical processes that govern them, together with providing a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, their dynamics, and the impact of human activities on the marine environment. Key topics include the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, including ocean currents, circulation patterns, and nutrient cycling which is crucial for predicting how the oceans will respond to environmenta
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.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're drawn to understanding marine ecosystems and the organisms within them, and if you're comfortable moving between the classroom, the laboratory and the field. You'll need to be curious about how things work at scales from cells to oceans, and willing to develop both practical skills and conceptual thinking. The four-year structure, including foundation year, works well if you've not studied biology at A-level or if you want a longer runway to develop confidence before specialising. You're the kind of person who might find yourself asking questions about ocean health, species behaviour or coastal conservation, and who's keen to pursue answers through structured study and hands-on investigation.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Starting salaries lie in the range of £22,000–£30,000; after five years, graduates typically earn between £23,375 and £33,000. About 62% of working graduates move into highly skilled roles or continue their studies, reflecting the course's foundation for both employment and postgraduate pathways. Your independent project and specialist modules equip you with the research and technical competencies that employers in marine science, environmental consultancy, conservation organisations and related fields value.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons) with Foundation Year) studied at the University of Chester, across its Chester Parkgate Road, Kingsway, Riverside and Queen's Park campuses. Instruction is in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body and is nationally recognised. The University of Chester, founded in 1839, received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| an Access course | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C160). 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 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. 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 Chester →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 Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £21,500 – £27,500 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £17,000 – £25,500 | 230 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £31,500 | 240 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 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 Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science 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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Animal care and control servicesSOC 2020 612 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,997
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 55; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science 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 Sport & Exercise Science 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
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. 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 7.4 out of 10: NSS 62.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Chester
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 Chester Parkgate Road/Kingsway/Riverside/Queen's Park Campus
1,406 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 Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Chester from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £14,950 / 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 Chester’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 Chester and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Chester
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including a Foundation Year)
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.