| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
The planet cannot survive without its oceans. Our mission is to nurture and train you as a marine biologist with the skills to solve global challenges. You’ll enjoy a unique experience at Newcastle University and develop the skills and knowledge for a successful career.
A career in Marine Biology is perfect if you are passionate about the environment, love the ocean, want to make a difference in the world and are driven to stand out in a competitive industry.
You will address key challenges of today including:
You’ll explore all marine life, from the invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals to plants, algae and bacteria. You’ll also investigate the chemical and physical properties of the world’s oceans and their impact on marine life.
You'll have access to outstanding facilities. You’ll be out at sea on our research vessel, the Princess Royal and conducting practical workshops at our coastal laboratory, the Dove Marine Laboratory. You’ll investigate out in the field and analyse findings in the lab, putting theory into practice.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Program Outline
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability. Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May. To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
You’ll cover a broad range of topics to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge in Marine Biology. This foundation will help you understand more complex challenges and solutions as you progress in your degree.
You'll also be introduced to standard laboratory procedures, experimental design, sampling methods, field observations, and recording scientific information.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Marine Biology | 20 |
| Diversity of Marine Animals | 20 |
| The Marine Environment | 20 |
| Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences | 20 |
| Marine Practical Skills 1 | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
| Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers | 20 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of marine ecology. You’ll learn how your skills in marine biology apply to a range of contexts, including industrial, biotechnology and food production.
You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through practical workshops, field trips and a residential field course. You’ll also develop your future employability with modules such as Marine Research and Employability Skills, as well as Marine Practical Skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Ecology of Marine Systems | 20 |
| Applied Marine Biology | 20 |
| Oceans and Climate I | 20 |
| Research and Employability Skills | 20 |
| Marine Practical Skills II | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology: Principles and Practice | 20 |
| Molecular Evolution and Systematics | 20 |
| Deep-Sea and Polar Biology | 20 |
| Marine Vertebrate Biology and Ecology | 20 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
In your final year, you’ll complete your marine research project either in the UK or overseas. As part of your project, you’ll submit a scientific paper and present your findings to staff and students. This experience is invaluable as writing research papers is a core requirement in the field.
You'll also study advanced marine biology and zoology. These topics focus on the latest research within the field including deep-sea ecology, DNA meta-barcoding and animal tracking.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Marine Research Topics I | 20 |
| Advanced Marine Research Topics 2 | 20 |
| Advanced Research Skills | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity Science and Management | 20 |
| Biotechnology: Applications | 20 |
| Advanced Marine Research Topics 3 | 20 |
| Marine Research Project | 40 |
| Marine Research Project - Overseas | 40 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
Information about these graphs
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
During the course, you'll be taught via a variety of methods, including:
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
Assignments – written or fieldwork
Coursework
Dissertation or research project
Essays
Presentations
Projects
Skills and experience
Business skills
You will gain industrial experience through:
You'll also develop key skills, including:
Practical experience
With miles of coastline and the North Sea on your doorstep, you’ll enjoy a unique learning experience at Newcastle.
You'll be challenged to put theory into practice out in the field.
Field trips are vital as you explore the marine biology of different environments. These include:
Research skills
Research is at the heart of what we do. You’ll benefit from research-led teaching, which includes the latest findings from your lecturer’s own research. Recent discoveries include a new species of sawshark (Pliotrema kajae) and microplastics in deep sea systems.
You will develop your research skills in the laboratory and out at sea. You’ll have access to outstations on the coast and complete field work in the North East.
You will be equipped with key research skills including:
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Chat to a student
I love the options for travel to study the difference in marine life from around the world compared to the North Sea. This year I am on a field trip to Bermuda and conducting my dissertation in the Bahamas!
Emma, Marine Biology student
