From microscopic algae to giant whales, most of our planet’s life is found in the oceans. As a marine biologist, you will learn about the behaviour, physiology, and ecology of marine organisms.
Introduction
You will discover how individuals, populations and communities respond to environmental drivers such as temperature and food availability, as well as to the challenges presented by a changing climate and human interaction. You will also gain the varied skills necessary to examine the marine environment and relay your findings to audiences from the general public through to government bodies.
Contemporary marine biology requires a broad set of skills, including field work, writing and presentation, and data analysis. In your first two years of study, you will develop these core skills and, in year three, you will take advanced modules in areas of interest to you to further develop your overall understanding and growing expertise.
You can choose modules from across the School of Environmental Sciences and from the School of Life Sciences. In each year there are topics such as climate change and ocean physics, population ecology, physiology, conservation, parasitology, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics.
Our research-led teaching approach allows our students to engage with up-to-the-minute science and policy in lectures, practical work, and in their independent research projects in year three. This is an opportunity to explore fields or skills of interest, often working on unanswered questions in marine science. Recent projects include investigating physiological data on how cormorants stay warm while diving in frigid Arctic waters, building mathematical models of coral reefs, and looking at the impacts of a wind farm on benthic communities.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
What you'll learn
Evolutionary processes
Laboratory and field techniques
Diversity of live in the marine environment
Human threats to ecosystems
Quantitative skills
Coastal biodiversity
Analysis of environmental data
Conducting independent research
Accreditation
Our degree is one of only a handful in the UK to be accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMAREST), opening up opportunities for students and graduates of our programmes.
If you've received your results, you can apply now. You’ll usually need to have achieved BBC or above at A level or meet our requirements for other accepted qualifications. Higher entry criteria may apply for a small number of courses.
If you live in a postcode area where you’re less likely to go to university, or if you’ve spent any time in social care, we’ll take this into account when considering your application. We may be able to make you a reduced offer for the course you want to study.
International entry requirements
International Baccalaureate
26 points overall including 5 in HL Biology, 5 in HL second science and 5 in SL English or 4 in HL English plus 5 in SL Maths/Maths Studies or 4 in HL Maths/Maths Studies
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
443 from 2 electives (including Biology and science subject) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language
India Standard XII
Overall average of 70% from four core subjects including 75% in Biology and second science, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths.
We produce highly employable marine biologists, trained in industry-relevant skills and modern equipment and software, and who can apply their knowledge to a wide range of fields including conservation, aquaculture, pollution and environmental monitoring.
Our graduates have a diverse range of careers in the following areas which include: the media, environmental consultancy, administration, academia, teaching, local and national government and international banking.
Examples of recent graduate careers in the sector include:
Fisheries observers
Surveyor
Seabird research assistant
Turtle conservation field leader
Field assistant on mammal surveys
Rangers
Conducting environmental surveys for construction work.
Many choose to continue their studies at master’s or PhD level on topics such as fish assemblages in mangroves, marine ecosystem responses to climate change and carbon sequestration in soils.
Recent employers include:
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
United Utilities
Fairbanks Environmental
Wildlife Sense
Earth and Marine Environmental Consultants
International Pole and Line Foundation.
87% of students are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduation.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,250
Year in industry fee
£1,850
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£27,200
Year abroad fee
£13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for a lab coat, geological field kit, and sustenance during compulsory field trips.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.
Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.
We produce highly employable marine biologists, trained in industry-relevant skills and modern equipment and software, and who can apply their knowledge to a wide range of fields including conservation, aquaculture, pollution and environmental monitoring.
Our graduates have a diverse range of careers in the following areas which include: the media, environmental consultancy, administration, academia, teaching, local and national government and international banking.
Examples of recent graduate careers in the sector include:
Fisheries observers
Surveyor
Seabird research assistant
Turtle conservation field leader
Field assistant on mammal surveys
Rangers
Conducting environmental surveys for construction work.
Many choose to continue their studies at master’s or PhD level on topics such as fish assemblages in mangroves, marine ecosystem responses to climate change and carbon sequestration in soils.
Recent employers include:
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
United Utilities
Fairbanks Environmental
Wildlife Sense
Earth and Marine Environmental Consultants
International Pole and Line Foundation.
87% of students are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduation.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.