Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry)
UCAS Code: C166
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
To include B in A-level Biology.
Pass in Access qualification in a relevant subject with Merit in 50% of units at level 3.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
To include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
For BTEC applicants, the Applied Science route is required for this course. Alternative biology based Level 3 courses may be considered.
UCAS Tariff
To include B in A-level Biology.
Aberystwyth University welcomes the Welsh Baccalaureate as a valuable qualification in its own right and considers completion of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate to be equivalent to an A level grade.
About this course
If you are interested in enhancing your career prospects, our four-year Bachelor of Science honours degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology with an integrated year in industry at Aberystwyth University will be for you. Situated on the coast of Cardigan Bay with a hinterland rich in rivers, streams and lakes, Aberystwyth University is the ideal location to study Marine and Freshwater Biology. Easily accessible habitats range from mountain streams bearing salmon and trout and unique habitats for freshwater invertebrates, through estuaries of international importance, to sandy beaches, rocky reefs, salt marsh and a bay that is home to the largest residential population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK.
You will be taught by enthusiastic teaching experts, who you may have already seen on TV documentaries or heard on your favourite radio show. We have two research vessels that give you hands-on experience of the range of skills used by professional marine and freshwater biologists.
The department has a modern aquarium facilities aquarium systems for experimental studies of marine and freshwater organisms. We have a wonderful museum and herbarium full of historic specimens collected from around the globe by generations of famous Aberystwyth University scientists. You will be able to participate in two residential field courses, each focused on either marine or freshwater biology. You will be taught by research-active staff at the forefront of knowledge, and emerge from your course with the competencies and skills to forge a career in this fascinating field of science.
The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology (C164). Your work experience must be relevant to this degree as it will be assessed and will count towards your degree grade. You will organise your work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid. If you cannot obtain a placement, you must transfer to the sister course BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology C164. Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.
Completing a year in industry will allow you to: Apply the learning from your course to the work environment; Make industry contacts; Develop practical skills related to your area of study; Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study; Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating. Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including ecological consultancy, environmental management and conservation, teaching and scientific journalism. This scheme also frequently leads to postgraduate research at Masters and PhD level.
Tuition fees
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Extra funding
Aberystwyth University offers a valuable package of scholarships and bursaries to support students. Our long-established Entrance Examination competition means you could get up to £2,000 a year towards your living and study costs. You can combine that with any or all of our other awards, to make your financial package more valuable. Our awards include Sport and Music Scholarships, Bursaries for Care Leavers/Young Carers/Estranged Students and a range of department specific awards. Please visit our website for full details.
The Uni
Main Site (Aberystwyth)
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
What students say
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After graduation
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Biosciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
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Top job areas of graduates
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Biosciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£17k
£19k
£21k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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