Studying Marine Biology in the UK

How I got to where I am – and how you can be a marine biologist, too.

Throughout the years, I have been asked for advice on how to become a marine biologist and to explain how I got to where I am in my career. Whilst I am more than happy to answer these questions, I must highlight that my journey is merely an example of a path taken. There are many paths to get there, so if your life doesn’t look like mine, it doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t achieve great things!

Who can study marine biology?

Anyone, and at any age. If you want to go to university straight from college, that’s an option, but so is going at 21, like I did, or at 30, like my Dad did. All you need to study marine biology is a passion for the ocean; even without A levels, you can get a marine biology degree. I did; I got 2! Many universities offer a foundation year alongside their marine biology degrees, meaning those without A levels or those who have been out of education for some time can undertake a degree. I know the message to young people is often that university is a must and it must be straight from school, but this isn’t true, and it isn’t the only option. Taking the time to experience the world and work out what you don’t want can be an important step to realising what you do want. Many universities encourage ‘mature’ students, as usually, it means they are truly sure of the path they want to take, so if you’re not sure, you don’t need to decide straight away; you’ve got time.

I have compiled a list of the universities offering a marine course with a foundation year and included it below. 

Where can you study marine biology?

The UK has an affinity with the ocean; being an island nation, the furthest from the sea you can be is around 80 miles; because of this, numerous universities offer marine biology courses, giving you many options.

This list is not exhaustive, and offerings may change, so it’s advisable to check directly with universities for the most current information.

1. University of Aberdeen

2. Bangor University

3. University of Plymouth

4. University of Portsmouth

5. Newcastle University

6. University of Southampton

7. Heriot-Watt University

8. University of St Andrews

9. University of Stirling

10. University of Dundee

11. Queen’s University Belfast

12. University of Swansea

13. University of Exeter

14. University of Glasgow

15. University of Hull

16. University of Essex

17. University of York

18. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (MBA) – Offers postgraduate degrees in partnership with the University of Plymouth.

19. Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)—An academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, SAMS offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

20. University of Sussex

21. University of Edinburgh

22. University of Liverpool

These universities offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD opportunities in marine biology and related fields such as oceanography, marine science, marine conservation, and coastal ecology. Programs may focus on specific aspects like marine biotechnology, fisheries biology, marine policy and management, marine environmental management, fisheries management, or marine and freshwater biology.

Prospective students should explore each university’s specific course offerings, facilities (like marine stations and research vessels), fieldwork opportunities, and faculty expertise to find the program that best matches their interests and career goals.

Universities that offer a foundation year

Universities offering marine biology degrees with an integrated foundation year provide a valuable pathway for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements for a standard degree course. Foundation years are designed to equip students with the necessary academic skills and knowledge to progress onto the full degree program in marine biology or a related field. Here’s a list of UK universities that typically offer a marine biology degree with an option for a foundation year. This might change, however, so, it’s essential to verify the current availability and specific entry requirements directly with each university:

1. Bangor University: Offers a foundation year that leads into its marine biology degrees.

2. University of Plymouth: Known for its ocean and marine courses, including a foundation year option for those needing it.

3. University of Portsmouth: Provides an integrated foundation year for students aiming to study marine biology.

4. University of Hull: Offers a foundation year in biological and environmental sciences, suitable for progression to its marine biology courses.

5. Swansea University: Provides foundation years for various science degrees, including marine biology.

6. University of Sussex: Offers a Science Foundation Year, including pathways into biology, which may accommodate students interested in marine biology.

7. University of Liverpool: This university offers a foundation year option for Science and Engineering, which can lead to its marine biology undergraduate programs.

8. Heriot-Watt University: Offers an International Foundation Programme for Global Environmental and Sustainability Studies, a potential pathway into marine biology.

9. Newcastle University: Through the INTO Newcastle University program, the university provides a foundation year for many of its science degrees, including marine biology.

When looking at courses with foundation years, it’s crucial to check:

– The specific content and focus of the foundation year to ensure it aligns with your interests and goals.
– Entry requirements and progression criteria to the full degree program.
– How integrated the foundation year is with the subsequent degree years, in terms of both academic content and student support.

My journey so far

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with animals, but I hadn’t enjoyed my veterinary work experience, so I was unsure what career path I wanted to take; that was until one day, I found myself looking through uni prospectus’ where I came across the marine biology course at Hull university – it was a light bulb moment. Despite watching any ocean documentary I could find, I hadn’t thought it a viable option to study marine biology in the UK; after reading the Hull course layout, I promptly googled ‘What job could I get with a marine biology degree’ and decided I liked the options, and that was that. 

Before starting university, I volunteered with the RSPB. It was nerve-wracking initially, learning how to approach people and engage them on conservation topics, but I gave it my all, and my engagement skills grew. Through this volunteering, I made a contact who recommended me for a job role with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust; here, I developed my engagement skills further, attending local events, garden centres, and farmers markets to engage the public in local conservation. I continued to volunteer for the RSBP and was lucky enough to attend the Birmingham Dive Show, representing the RSPB on a stand; I signed up so many new members that my manager treated me to a year’s subscription to the shark magazine – I was thrilled. Also, I met Monty Hall, whose Fishermen Apprentice TV series had convinced me I needed to be in Cornwall to work in fisheries management. (Nerdy selfie included below).

Whilst my time with both the RSPB and the Wildlife Trust covered predominantly local land conservation, the skills I developed were the reason I got my job with Surfers Against Sewage. If you are able to volunteer at a local conservation charity, you might feel at times like you’re wasting your time because it’s not marine-relevant, but you genuinely are not. Not only are you helping raise awareness of some great conservation efforts and help garner support, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to develop your skillset and contact base; I would 100% recommend it. Being able to volunteer your time is not always easy and sometimes just not possible, though I had to work full time alongside my volunteering, so it often meant volunteering at weekends. If volunteering in this manner is not feasible for you, do not worry; there are lots of marine conservation efforts you can get involved in from home, and I have compiled a list for my next post!

I went to university at 21, without A levels. That statement usually garners shock – most people aren’t aware you can go to university without them, so I tell whoever I can so no opportunities are missed.

I undertook a foundation year at the University of Hull before progressing to the Marine and Freshwater Biology, Bachelor of Science degree. I loved Hull; I had a great four years. My lecturers were inspiring and so knowledgeable. It was here my passion for fisheries management was first ignited.

Once my degree at Hull University was completed, I returned to Nottingham and took a few years to do other grown-up things, but I had my heart set on Cornwall. So, in 2017, I applied for a master’s at Plymouth University. I was accepted in June and moved on September 12th. Three days later, I started my master’s degree. I loved my year at Plymouth, but I have to be truthful. It was hard and realistically only possible for me to undertake because I had my husband’s support. I worked full-time as a face-to-face fundraiser for Surfers Against Sewage, as well as undertaking a full-time research project. I convinced the lab technicians to let me take a microscope home to process my samples late at night or while working away. At times, I didn’t think I’d make it – but I did, and in 2018, I graduated with a Master of Applied Marine Science. 

After graduating from Plymouth, I looked for work in fisheries management. It was six months before I landed my role with the Marine Management Organisation. I spent four and a half years with the MMO as a warranted Marine Enforcement Officer. It taught me a lot, and I’m grateful to have experienced fisheries management within the UK first-hand. Still, for various reasons, I wanted to move on, and in 2023, I became a commercial fisheries consultant. 

What’s my advice for prospective marine biologists

I won’t lie – its a hard journey wanting to work in conservation, jobs are competitive, many expect years of experience for little pay. You will hear no, many times. But I truly believe if it’s what you want and you persevere even when it feels hopeless, you can achieve it. Ultimately, the ones who get where they want to be are the ones who don’t give up.

So, my main advice is to persevere and follow your passion.

There are so many fields within marine biology; find your niche. if you’re unsure of what niche you want to work in, don’t limit yourself too quickly; try a few first. If you get years of experience in one particular topic but then want to change, it can be hard to move without the experience.

Stick with marine biology — if marine biology is the area you want to work in, don’t pursue opportunities within freshwater. I’ve heard some people advise getting experience in freshwater and then transitioning to marine, but if I’m completely honest, I’ve seen this backfire for people, and it can be really hard to move to marine when you’ve got years of freshwater experience, and you’re competing for roles with people who have years of marine experience.

Work on your LinkedIn. Many people underestimate its usefulness. Many times, it’s about who you know rather than what you know. Build your contacts in relevant areas, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

If you’re going to do a PhD, make sure you are obsessed with the topic. It is a long slog, and if you’re merely interested in the thing you’re studying, it will be immensely hard (and it’s hard even when you are obsessed)

So that’s it. The basics of becoming a marine biologist, i hope you’ve found it useful and are on your way to following your passion. You can do it!