About the course

Our BSc Marine Biology (including foundation year) will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for the three-year version of this course and you want a degree that improves your skills to support your academic performance.

　　This four-year course includes a foundation year (known as Year Zero) which is delivered by our Essex Pathways Department, followed by a further three years of study in our School of Life Sciences. During Year Zero, you study three academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module, with additional English language for non-English speakers. After successful completion of Year Zero, you progress to complete your course with our School of Life Sciences.

　　The majority of life on earth is found under the sea, but most of it remains to be explored. Tropical reefs, deep-sea trenches, seagrass meadows and frozen polar seas are all individually unique and complex environments, but connected within Earth’s single, vast ocean. By joining our BSc Marine Biology course you will be immersed in this fascinating ocean world.

　　At Essex you will begin your journey through diverse marine ecosystems from day one. Our team of internationally renowned academic staff will introduce you to ocean systems and marine ecology through their own research on topics as varied as coral reef conservation, fisheries management, animal behaviour, marine biotechnology and microbiology. These are taught alongside key scientific skills including data analysis and interpretation, literature research and presentation skills to give you a concrete foundation for your scientific career.

　　You will develop the concepts introduced in lectures through extensive, practical, hands-on experience in the laboratories of our STEM Centre, as well as in the field. Our local estuaries and coastal ecosystems are a natural laboratory on our doorstep. You will investigate the diversity of beautiful Essex salt marshes and interact with key people working to improve our coastline, including Essex Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Colchester Oyster Fisheries. Later in your degree there will be opportunities to travel to field locations in Scotland, Greece and Indonesia (subject to additional costs) to apply what you have learned. During a trip to Indonesia, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, you will learn to dive and participate in unique underwater research surveys and lectures. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 4 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Autumn (October), 2024	Colchester
Autumn (October), 2025	Colchester

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Essex

Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.

　　Examples of the above tariff may include:

　　A-levels: DDD

　　BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP (in a science subject)

　　For this course we require evidence of previous level 3 (i.e. A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study. Science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Geography, Sports Science and Applied Science.

　　All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

　　Ielts - 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, TOEFL (iBT) - 76 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

　　

English language requirements

　　5.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 72.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of Essex. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　301st / 1250

　　THE World ranking32nd / 130

　　Complete University guide

　　

What our students think

We’ve haven’t received any reviews for this institution yet.