Overview
Aquatic environments cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and play vital roles in regulating global ecosystems, providing food and resources that benefit human mental and physical health. However, these environments are increasingly affected by human activities and environmental changes. Marine and Freshwater Biology is the study of these aquatic ecosystems.
Teaching of this course involves the use of real-world examples from aquatic resources provided through our global partners. You will get hands-on experience in our freshwater and marine facilities, learning how to apply theory to practice.
You'll be trained through modules that will equip you with specialist skills in laboratory techniques, aquatic ecology and using resources sustainably within the developing “blue economy”.
Our combination of lectures, practical work, fieldwork and research projects will ensure that you’ll receive a solid foundation in the subject and be ready for your future career.
By focusing on human impacts and how to manage, conserve, and use aquatic resources sustainably, our course aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, which addresses hunger and food insecurity, and Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.
Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture coordinates this course and it is a world leading centre, with an excellent international reputation in teaching, research, innovation and consultancy. The Institute of Aquaculture has received the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2019. The honour recognises outstanding work that shows quality and innovation, and delivers real benefit to the wider world through education and training. It recognises our pioneering work in the world’s fastest-growing food production sector and our bid to tackle global hunger.
Tour our aquaculture facilities
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.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
AABB
GCE 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
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE 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 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
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 will enable you to understand the underpinning function and dynamics of aquatic systems, and the biology, ecology, taxonomy and management of organisms inhabiting these systems from the molecular level to the entire ecosystem. Practical work is integrated into the course to translate theory into practice.
You’ll learn to design and perform a range of aquatic survey techniques and use the information to assess the quality of marine habitats. You’ll also gain a practical and theoretical understanding of marine organism taxonomy using traditional and molecular techniques.
The final year of study involves an independent research project, often carried out with external organisations. Overseas projects in Semester 8 are encouraged and have previously been located throughout Europe, North and South America, the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Oceania. During this semester you can choose to attend our marine mammals residential field course. It offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about these iconic animals and understand the UK's rich marine ecosystems.
Our course is run by one of the leading international centres in its field. With an excellent outcome in the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2019, we bring together cross-disciplinary, world-class researchers and have built up a first-class international reputation in teaching, research, contract research and consultancy for aquaculture. We collaborate with academic research institutions throughout Europe and beyond, including Spain, China, Brazil, Norway and Thailand.
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 – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – 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 £8,000-£30,000 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. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
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 automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 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
Preparing you for the world of work
This course will enable you to use biological lab skills, use scientific methodology, and assess the scientific literature with critical appraisal and synthesise multiple sources.
The course includes an aquaculture module as the aquaculture sector is a major Scottish industry and employer of marine and freshwater biology graduates.
A second degree (MSc or PhD) is often needed if you want to advance your career to more senior research posts, and many of our graduates go on to pursue further study at Stirling or other UK and international universities.
Be the One: Niru Dorrian
Hear from graduate Nira who now works as a Senior Offshore Ecologist and Marine Mammal Specialist.
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