Aberystwyth University

MBiol Marine and Freshwater Biology

Aberystwyth UniversityAberystwyth, United Kingdom

Course overview

Why study

Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University? Aberystwyth has excellent facilities for Marine and Freshwater biologists: situated in the Dyfi Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest on our doorstep. access to diverse habitats including rocky and sandy shores, estuaries, lakes and rivers, all of which allow you to develop professional field sampling skills on our modules. excellent laboratory facilities to support your development in a wide range of analytical techniques. a research vessel enabling you to gain hands-on experience of the sampling techniques used in open water. a modern aquarium housing cold-water and tropical, marine and freshwater species. opportunities to view common and rare UK animal species such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, otters and ospreys. Our course: provides a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the biosciences which will be invaluable to you within and beyond the field of aquatic science. is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of its quality and career development opportunities. includes a range of specialist module options so that you can pursue your interests in areas such as wildlife conservation, animal behaviour and environmental consultancy. includes optional field courses in both marine and freshwater allowing immersive study and refining your professional skills. is taught by knowledgeable staff whose aquatic research informs their teaching. includes two substantial, independent research projects in your 3 rd and final years, during which you will benefit from one-to-one academic supervision. is highly suited to students wishing to improve their employability within fields such as government regulation, environmental consultancy, conservation or scientific research, but also develops skills desirable in a broad range of other graduate professions.

Opportunities! Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia for study abroad. You can choose to study a number of modules through the medium of Welsh.

Check out the modules tab for more information. Connect with Marine and Freshwater Biology alumni for careers advice and support. Research-led teaching You’ll be taught by a passionate team who are also active research scientists.

Their research informs our teaching and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project. Our marine and freshwater biology lecturers are also enthusiastic and innovative teachers! The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active.

Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Key highlights

  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
  • Research vessel for hands-on open-water sampling experience
  • Modern aquarium with tropical and cold-water, marine and freshwater species
  • Field skills developed across shores, estuaries, lakes and rivers
  • Two independent research projects with one-to-one academic supervision
  • Study abroad exchanges in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 120-128 — UCAS Tariff 128 - 120 A Levels ABB-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject BTEC National Diploma: BTEC not accepted for this schem…
  • UCAS tariff points: 48 — UCAS Tariff 48 A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC diploma) in subject areas other than biological science, and to mature-aged candidates…
  • A-level: ABB-BBB — to include with B in Biology or Human Biology
  • GCSE: C/4 — to include English
  • International Baccalaureate: 30-32 — overall with 6 points

Scholarships

  • Aberystwyth Regional Scholarships

    Students will be eligible for a £2,000 reduction in tuition fees for each year of their studies at Aberystwyth University.

    Up to £2,000
  • Caru Aber International Award

    Caru Aber International Award gives a £1,000 tuition fee discount (for every year of study) to any international fee-paying students who spent a period of time studying with us as an associate student.

    Up to £1,000
  • International Accommodation Award

    This award means that for students who choose to live in our on-campus Cwrt Mawr housing, there is no cost for the first year of study.

  • International Family Award

    International Family Award – giving you a £1,000 reduction in tuition fees for every year of your studies.

    Up to £1,000
  • Margaret Evelyn “Lynne” Williams Bursary

    The Bursary is worth £500 during the first year of study and a maximum of two awards will be available each year.

    Up to £500
  • Mathematics Department Award

    Up to £500 a year.

  • Music Scholarships

    £650 a year Music Scholarships are open to UK and international applicants.

    Up to £650
  • Waldo Williams Scholarship

    Successful applicants could receive up to £500 in their first year.

  • Welsh Medium Study Bursary

    Up to £400 a year - for following part or all of your course through the medium of Welsh.

Careers this course leads to

  • Marine biologist
  • Freshwater ecologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Conservation officer
  • Environmental regulation officer
  • Research scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £21,875 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Aberystwyth University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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