Course overview
The planet cannot survive without its oceans. Our mission is to nurture and train you as a marine biologist with the skills needed to solve global challenges. You’ll enjoy a unique experience at Newcastle University and develop the skills and knowledge for a successful career.
A career in Marine Biology is perfect if you are passionate about the environment, love the ocean, want to make a difference in the world and are driven to stand out in a competitive industry.
You will address key challenges of today including:
- loss of marine biodiversity
- marine conservation
- climate change
- marine pollution
- sustainable use of our marine resources
You’ll explore all marine life, from invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals to plants, algae and bacteria. You’ll also investigate the chemical and physical properties of the world’s oceans and their impact on marine life.
You’ll have access to outstanding facilities. You’ll be out at sea on our research vessel, the Princess Royal and conduct practical workshops at our coastal laboratory, the Dove Marine Laboratory. You’ll investigate out in the field and analyse findings in the lab, putting theory into practice.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 20th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Earth and Marine Sciences category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 150 for Earth and Marine Sciences – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a chartered scientist and chartered marine scientist.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
You’ll also be introduced to standard laboratory procedures, experimental design, sampling methods, field observations, and recording, analysing and displaying scientific information.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Marine Biology | 20 |
| Diversity of Marine Animals | 20 |
| The Marine Environment | 20 |
| Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences | 20 |
| Marine Practical Skills 1 | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
| Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers | 20 |
You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through laboratory practicals, workshops, field trips and a residential field course. You’ll also develop your future employability with modules such as Academic and Employability Skills, as well as Marine Practical Skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Tropical Marine Ecology | 20 |
| Applied Marine Biology | 20 |
| Oceans and Climate I | 20 |
| Academic and Employability Skills | 20 |
| Marine Practical Skills II | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Evolutionary Biology | 20 |
| Deep-Sea and Polar Biology | 20 |
| Marine Vertebrate Biology and Ecology | 20 |
You’ll also study advanced marine biology and zoology. These topics focus on the latest research within the field including deep-sea ecology, DNA meta-barcoding and animal tracking.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Marine Research Topics I | 20 |
| Advanced Marine Research Topics 2 | 20 |
| Global Marine Science | 20 |
| Research Project | 40 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity Science and Management | 20 |
| Advanced Marine Research Topics 3 | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
During the course, you’ll be taught via a variety of methods, including:
- lectures and seminars
- laboratory practicals
- research vessel practicals
- field work
- research project
- small group tutorials
Skills and experience
Practical experience
With miles of coastline and the North Sea on your doorstep, you’ll enjoy a unique learning experience at Newcastle.
You’ll be challenged to put theory into practice out in the field.
Field trips are vital as you explore the marine biology of different environments. These include:
- exploring the marine environment on the Isle of Cumbrae
- overseas residential field course in locations such as Portugal, Mexico, or Malaysia
Business skills
You’ll gain industrial experience through:
- employability module in Stage 2
- work placements
- study abroad opportunities
- industrial visits
You’ll also develop key skills, including:
- writing proposals
- designing experimental studies
- writing scientific reports and papers
- delivering presentations
Research skills
Research is at the heart of what we do. You’ll benefit from research-led teaching, which includes the latest findings from your lecturer’s own research. Recent discoveries include a new species of sawshark (Pliotrema kajae) and microplastics in deep sea systems.
You will develop your research skills in the laboratory and out at sea. You’ll have access to outstations on the coast and complete fieldwork in the North East.
You will be equipped with key research skills including:
- advanced data analysis
- statistical analysis
- on-board vessel experience
- practical survey skills
- writing scientific papers
- presenting at conferences
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You’ll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.
During your studies, you’ll learn in modern laboratories. You can visit the Great North Museum, where there’s a range of important biological collections. We also have our controlled-environment aquaria situated in the Ridley 2 Building.
You will study live marine animals at our Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. With a live aquarium on-site, you’ll examine a range of wildlife to study. You’ll also develop survey and identification techniques and environmental assessment skills.
Our research vessel, The Princess Royal, is a floating laboratory. It is an integral part of your learning experience at Newcastle. Activities on the vessel range from oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats.
Support
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
You will have access to a dedicated School of Natural and Environmental Advisor who will signpost, advise, and guide you on your well-being, should you need it.
There’s also a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works.
Your future
During your second year, you’ll do a 35-hour placement in the marine sector. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience. It can also lead to exciting job opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone on to work with the organisations they trained with.
Our graduates have a strong reputation in the industry. They’ve secured jobs with:
- Ocean Ecology
- Natural Power
- BBC Natural History Unit
- Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve
By the end of your course, you’ll have a range of transferable skills that are useful in other careers. Our graduates have built successful careers in fields such as computing and finance.
Industry links
Join our network of confident and successful graduates. They’ve benefitted from our industry links with:
- Marine Management Organisation
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- Natural England
- Greenpeace
- National Trust
- BBC Natural History Unit
- Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve
Careers support
Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| ABB including Biology or Human Biology and another science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Psychology, IT and PE. General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded. Chemistry preferred at A/AS Level but not essential. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. Mathematics required at GCSE (minimum grade B or 6) | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 32 points preferably including Biology at Higher Level Grade 6. Chemistry preferred at Higher Level but not essential. Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and Chemistry required at Standard Level grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level. | |
