BSc (Hons) Marine Biology will provide you with the knowledge and subject-specific skills relevant to working with marine organisms and marine habitats, the practical applications of marine biology and its relationship to the broader biological sciences disciplines.

You’ll learn the principles of all biological components of marine science and related environmental sciences including:

Marine fauna and flora

Marine environments and habitat ecology

Oceanography

Marine and coastal environmental management and conservation

Marine resource development

Marine biotechnology

You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives. Your studies are led by internationally excellent staff in the Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology that provide globally connected learning and the opportunity to study from other Heriot-Watt campuses through Go Global.

Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.

As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills.

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors. You’ll specifically understand the role of marine biologists in professional fields including research and development, quality assurance and public health and especially in organisations connected with environmental management and conservation.

Your student experience

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Our expertise

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Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our internationally-excellent research-active academics from Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Life and Earth Sciences and the Lyell Centre for Earth Science and Marine Sciences and Technology.

Biology at Heriot-Watt University is part of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society which is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and experts are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses and advise on student research projects.

The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences is well known for its strong research focus in various areas of biological sciences. Research activities encompass both fundamental and applied research, addressing critical issues in the field and making significant contributions to scientific knowledge. This degree is aligned with our research objectives to advance our understanding of the natural world, address global challenges, and contribute to scientific advancements that benefit society.

Go Global

Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.

Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to Dubai.

Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to Malaysia.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Mandatory September

Introductory Biology 1

Practical Skills in Biology

Shaping Tomorrow Together A

Mathematics for Scientists 1

Mandatory January

Biology Practical

Introductory Biology 2

Chemistry for the Life Sciences

Shaping Tomorrow Together B

Disclaimer

The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.

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Fees and funding

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September 2027 intake tuition fees

Scotland

Paid by SAAS

England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland

International

Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.

International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Scholarships and bursaries

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)View details

Entry requirements

If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.

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Standard entry requirements

Highers AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

A-Levels BBC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

International Baccalaureate 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.

BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.

HNC C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.

Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.

Minimum entry requirements *

Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

A-Levels BCC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)

or are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.

Additional information

For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.

If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk

For applicants studying HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications, when submitting your application please ensure you list in full all the units you are currently studying, as specific units (e.g. in Maths) may be required.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Why Heriot-Watt

We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.

At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

Employability

£0The median UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

Natural and social science professionals

Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Conservation and environment professionals

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