Marine Biology, BSc (Hons)

Deepen your knowledge of marine ecosystems during a vital time for our oceans

Deepen your knowledge of marine ecosystems during a vital time for our oceans

Student Snorkeling in Puerto Rico

Course Overview

Due to vital ongoing issues with our oceans, an academic understanding of ocean life across the world has never been more important.

This Marine Biology degree is highly practical and fieldwork-based. When combined with our unique location, this gives you ideal access to a variety of study habitats to explore during your degree, which include exposed rocky shores, steep cliffs salt marshes and estuarine mudflats; all on the Gower Peninsula, which was the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Why Marine Biology at Swansea?

Marine Biology at Swansea University has a strong reputation, draws students from across the world. It is based on our stunning Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay, where your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics.

You will study on a leading Marine Biology programme, which is currently ranked:

  • 6th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025) - assessed under 'Ecology and Environmental Biology'*
  • 11th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 14th in the UK for Research – assessed under ‘Biological Sciences’ (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

* Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1-26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Marine Biology Experience

  • A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad, work in industry or undertake research for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.
  • All second-year students receive training at sea.
  • Our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities include the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, a Zoological Museum, a custom-designed 18 metre catamaran-class survey vessel, and a unique visualisation centre that displays multi-dimensional information from animal tracking data.
  • Field courses available near and far allow you to work varied habitats. You can explore the spectacular marine coastal ecosystems of the Gower Peninsula on our doorstep, and natural life in distant lands such as India, Borneo and Puerto Rico.

Marine Biology Employment Opportunities

If you are passionate about our planet and the environment and see your future career in the field of biosciences, you will have the opportunity to learn from, and work with, staff who are involved in world-leading research projects. These include the conservation of our oceans and their ecosystems, the development of sustainable aquaculture and the innovative uses for algae as a solution to the global challenges of climate change.

Our graduates are well placed to enter roles in fields aligned to the Marine Biology specialism; you may discover that your future lies in a career as a marine researcher, environmental consultant, conservationist, postgraduate researcher, or as a teacher. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to become:

  • Ecologists, Project Officers, Hydrometry and Telemetry Officers, Benthic Taxonomists, Wildlife and Education Officers, Animal Keepers and Crop Technicians.

Our department also has strong connections with international and national organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, The British Mammal Society and The National Wetlands Centre Wales, which will add value to your studies.

Find out why our students love studying Marine Biology at Swansea

What our students say about our tropical marine field course to Puerto Rico

Find out why our students love studying Bioscience at Swansea

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBB

Marine Biology, BSc (Hons)

Marine Biology with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Marine Biology with a Year in Applied Research, BSc (Hons)

Marine Biology with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)