Program Overview

The oceans are a key element for the existence of life on Earth. 97% of all the water on Earth, and 99% of the habitable space on this planet, is in the ocean’ (source: NASA).

Marine biology is the interdisciplinary study of life in the ocean. At the present time, the position of marine biology graduates has never been as critical to the functioning of our society, economy and environment. Complex issues such as overfishing, pollution and climate change are colliding to bring about extraordinary and sometimes catastrophic changes in marine systems. As a marine biologist you will apply cutting edge technologies to help tackle these issues on a scale from molecules to ecosystems.

With regards to marine resources management the UK’s territorial waters stretch over 6.8 million km² (over fourteen times the terrestrial landmass) and within this vast area lies the blue economy: marine renewable energy, oil, gas, fish, minerals and rare earth metals. To manage these resources in a sustainable manner requires assessment and guidance from highly-skilled marine biologists.

Within this context the Marine Biology degree at QUB is based on a research-led teaching format and will prepare students for a future in a diverse range of careers including marine conservation, environmental consultancy, documentary film making, wildlife tourism, fisheries management and academic study.

Marine Biology Degree Highlights
Queen’s University Marine Laboratory is an excellent facility for students to undertake research and develop your marine biology research skills.

Professional Accreditations

• Royal Society of Biology Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.  This highlights the academic quality of the course and recognises the course in enabling graduates to meet the needs of the employer through development of technical and transferable skills.

Beyond the taught degree, all Marine Biology students have the opportunity to gain professional boating qualifications (e.g. Survival at Sea, Powerboat Level II) that increase their employability both within and outside of academia. Students are also encouraged to seek Degree plus accreditation which showcases their extra-curricular marine experiences gathered during their degrees (via work shadowing PhD students from the start of their degree, through to activities run by the QUB Marine Biology Society).
World Class Facilities

• In addition to the state-of the-art teaching facilities on the main campus, the Queen’s Marine Laboratory is on the shores of one of the most protected areas in Europe, Strangford Lough. During your degree, you will take two residential field courses at the marine lab to study marine ecosystems up close using our array of aquaria, boats and shore-based facilities.

Around the island of Ireland we have some of the most spectacular marine wildlife in Europe including six-gill, blue and basking sharks, bluefin tuna, >20 species of marine mammals (from seals to humpback whales), leatherback turtles, deep-water coral reefs and hydrothermal vents. All of these species represent core focal areas for our staff. Access to such species and environments makes QUB one of the best located universities for the study of Marine Biology.
Student Experience

• The Marine Biology degree offers an extensive programme of extracurricular activities to support you scientific and personal development and enhance employability. At the end of Levels 1 and 2 students participate in a range of accredited during the university’s ‘Development Weeks’ including: VHF radio handlers and First Aid at Sea certificates, biologging and satellite tracking, baited underwater video systems and cetacean acoustics.

To enable interact with marine students at all levels of undergraduate and postgraduate study, a range of activities (e.g. talks, site visits, social events) are run by the QUB Marine Biology and Zoology Society.
Marine Biology with Professional Studies students, on completion of Stage 2, undertake a 46-week period of work experience. Recent students have gained placements working on marine mammals, fisheries management and molecular ecology (for example) at international laboratories in Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and across the island of Ireland and GB.