Overview
Aquatic environments cover about 71% of the Earth's surface. They play vital roles in regulating global ecosystems and providing food and resources. Marine and Freshwater Biology is the study of these aquatic ecosystems. It also looks at how aquatic organisms solve the challenges they face.
The global ocean economy market is projected to grow to £2,869.41 billion ($3,782.96 billion) by 2034 (Polaris Market Research 2025). The UK aquaculture market is also experiencing significant growth. Graduates with marine and freshwater expertise are sought after in aquaculture, fisheries management, conservation, environmental consultancy, research and policy.
Develop marine and freshwater biology skills employers need
On this multidisciplinary marine and freshwater biology degree you’ll:
- gain expert knowledge in topics such as aquatic ecology, fisheries science, oceanography, biodiversity and conservation,
- develop specialist skills in laboratory techniques,
- learn how to manage, conserve and use resources sustainably. Our course aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 Zero Hunger. Also Goal 14 Life Below Water.
- build in-demand computational skills such as programming, statistics with R, and bioinformatics,
- design and perform a range of aquatic survey techniques to assess the quality of marine habitats,
- gain a practical and theoretical understanding of marine organism taxonomy,
- learn essential research skills to design and carry out a research-based project.
Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture coordinates this course. It’s a world-leading centre shaping global aquaculture policy, research and practice.
Get hands-on experience in our first-rate marine and freshwater biology facilities
Our first-rate facilities combine tropical, freshwater and marine aquaculture capabilities. They are used by researchers working at the forefront of sustainable food production and aquatic ecosystem management.
The Institute of Aquaculture hosts the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH). As part of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to visit our NATIH marine research facility, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland. You’ll also visit the NATIH freshwater facilities on campus and in Buckieburn near the Carron Valley.
Work with industry
There are opportunities to work with industry at home and abroad. You can undertake an optional summer placement. You’ll also carry out an independent research project in your final year. Both can be with external organisations. We encourage overseas projects.
You’ll develop advanced research, problem-solving and professional skills valued by employers across aquaculture, conservation and marine science sectors. Example of projects include:
- Habituation, shape recognition, and matching training of a research naïve Indo-Pacific bottlenose Dolphin.
- Qualitative assessment of the long-term impacts of the Care Golda project on freshwater prawn farming methods and communities in Bagerhat district of Bangladesh.
- Investigating metacercarial infections of commercial edible Thai crabs.
Study abroad
You can also study abroad in year 3. International study opportunities allow you to explore marine biology in contrasting ecosystems and build a global professional network. Previous students have studied at:
- Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- Guelph University, Ontario, Canada
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
- University of Hawaii, USA
- Monterey Bay Aquarium, California, USA
Exciting fieldwork opportunities
Our marine and freshwater biology course gives you lots of practical fieldwork experience such as:
- A compulsory field trip to study seashore and inshore marine organisms.
- An optional residential marine mammal field course in Millport, Scotland. You learn about the biology, behaviour, physiology and environment surrounding the mammals.
- Day trips or study visits to external sites and facilities, where you’ll get practical experience in marine biology.
Through fieldwork you’ll develop skills in species identification, sampling design, data collection, and ecological assessment. This is essential for careers in marine monitoring, conservation and consultancy.
Top reasons to study with us
Prizes or awards
Every year, a research-based learning prize is awarded to one of our final year students based on performance in the dissertation or other engagement with research in the Institute.
Faculty Facilities
Tour our aquaculture facilities
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
ABBB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
To include Biology and one of Environmental Science, Geography or Geology.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP Access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Scottish Higher level or equivalent at Grade B, if HNC or Access course is not science related.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
This course enables you to understand the underpinning function and dynamics of aquatic systems, and the biology, ecology, taxonomy and management of organisms inhabiting these systems. Practical work is integrated into the course to translate theory into practice.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
The University of Stirling was awarded five-star excellence for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Our academics use their international research activities to teach you the latest thinking and trends in marine biology. Our teaching is delivered through lectures and practical classes, tutorials, seminars, computer-based learning and online materials, fieldwork, field courses, guided reading and research.
Fieldwork
There is one compulsory field trip in which you'll study seashore and inshore marine organisms. There is also an optional residential marine mammal field course in Millport, Scotland, where you will learn about the biology, behaviour, physiology and environment surrounding this iconic group of animals. An independent research project is a major component of the final year and often involves fieldwork, sometimes abroad.
There are also day trips or study visits to external sites and facilities, where you’ll get relevant experience and a practical grounding in marine biology.
Assessment
Modules on the course are assessed by a combination of written assignments, exams, practical, team and individual projects. A 40% exam, 60% coursework split would be typical for a module on this course.
Work placement opportunities
Students can build strong links with industry through summer placements with local employers and large corporates. Our Careers Service can help you secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability, or think about further study.
An independent research project is a major component of the final year and is often carried out in association with relevant stakeholders.
Study abroad
The option to study abroad is available in year 3. Marine biology students benefit from our study abroad links to countries such as the USA (including Hawaii, California, and Alaska), Canada, and Australia.
Find out more about studying abroad.
We encourage overseas projects in Semester 8. Past student projects have been located throughout Europe, North and South America, the Indian subcontinent, Asia, Oceania and Australasia.
Contact
Lecturer and Marine and Freshwater Biology Programme Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
We subsidise costs for field trips, but you’ll be required to make a financial contribution.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
A career in marine and freshwater biology offers a diverse range of opportunities.
As a marine biology graduate, you can use your scientific expertise to explore, protect, and manage aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. You could work with government agencies, conservation groups, universities, and industry to safeguard our planet’s blue spaces.
Be the One: Niru Dorrian
Hear from graduate Nira who now works as a Senior Offshore Ecologist and Marine Mammal Specialist.
