Marine Biology (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Marine Biology (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
The BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including Foundation Year) is a four-year degree.
You’ll become a well-rounded marine scientist with a strong knowledge across the spectrum of marine biology and ecology.
If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for the three-year version, starting the course with a Foundation Year gives you a supported step up to university study.
WHY THIS COURSE
The BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including Foundation Year) lets you explore marine biology at all scales, from our on-campus aquaria, t...
<strong>The BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including Foundation Year) is a four-year degree.</strong><br/><br/>You’ll become a well-rounded marine scientist with a strong knowledge across the spectrum of marine biology and ecology.<br/><br/>If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for the three-year version, starting the course with a Foundation Year gives you a supported step up to university study.<br/><br/><strong>WHY THIS COURSE</strong><br/><br/>The BSc (Hons) Marine Biology (including Foundation Year) lets you explore marine biology at all scales, from our on-campus aquaria, to local estuaries and ecosystems, to whole ocean systems on the other side of the planet.<br/><br/>Youll spend Year Zero on our Life Sciences Pathway, gaining an introduction to biology, chemistry for biology, and mathematics and statistics for life sciences. You’ll then choose whether to progress to the BSc (Hons) Marine Biology, BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences or BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.<br/><br/>From Year One, you’ll be able to explore our academic staff’s own areas of research such as coral reef conservation, fisheries management, animal behaviour, marine biotechnology and microbiology.<br/><br/>With a practical approach to learning, you’ll gain key scientific skills such as data analysis and interpretation, literature, research and presentation skills. You’ll visit local sites with rich diversity and interact with organisations such as the Essex Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Colchester Oyster Fisheries.<br/><br/>You’ll also have the opportunity to embark on residential trips to Scotland, Greece and Indonesia, learning to dive and participating in unique underwater research surveys and lectures.<br/><br/>You’ll graduate on the path to a marine science or ecology career, ready to help resolve the increasing environmental issues across the world.
Course Information
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
10/2026
Campus
Colchester Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
C161
Institution Code
E70
Points of Entry
Foundation
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
72
To include 2 full A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must be in a Science or Mathematics. For this course we require either Level 3 (i.e. A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study. Considered science subjects from all qualifications include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Geography, Sports Science and Applied Science. or Two GCSEs from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at grade B/6 (or equivalent). Other science-related GCSE subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in an OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £20,475 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |









































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