BSc (Hons) Marine Biology 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 201-275QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

25,008 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

6Scholarships

Programme overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

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.  
 
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. 

Programme overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

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.  
 
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. 

Admission Requirements

6+
169+
78+
27+
50+

Year 2 Entry Requirements:

  • Advanced Highers BB including Biology, plus Higher AABB.
  • A-Levels BBB including Biology / Human Biology.
  • International Baccalaureate 32 points. Must include Biology at Higher Level 6.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant science subject including Biology.
  • HNC B in graded unit with 120 SCQF credit points. HNC must include sufficient Biology at SCQF Level 6.
  • HND BB in graded units. HND must include sufficient Biology at SCQF Level 6.

Year 3 Entry Requirements: 

  • HND AB / BA in graded units. HND must include sufficient Biology and be in a relevant subject area, e.g. Biology / Applied Biology / Human Biology / Environmental Biology. 

4 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

International
25,008 GBP

Scholarships

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Master Bachelors Open

Value

$21800

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Norway Early Bird Scholarship

Norway Early Bird Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$6000

Deadline

1 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

International Merit Scholarship

International Merit Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$2000

Deadline

30 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$525

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Master Bachelors Open

Value

25% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

15 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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