Marine Biology
Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the ocean, from the microscopic bacteria and phytoplankton that form the base of marine food webs to the great whales, migratory fish, and complex coral reef ecosystems that depend on them. The oceans cover more than seventy per cent of the Earth's surface and contain ninety-nine per cent of its habitable space, yet they remain less well understood than many terrestrial environments. Marine biology draws on ecology, genetics, physiology, oceanography, and environmental science to investigate the extraordinary diversity of ocean life and to understand the processes that sustain it.
At Queen's University Belfast this four-year undergraduate masters programme provides a thorough grounding in the scientific foundations of marine biology alongside the specialist knowledge and research skills needed for a professional career in the field. You will study the ecology, physiology, and evolution of marine organisms, examine the physical and chemical properties of ocean systems, and investigate how human pressures, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change, are altering marine environments. The undergraduate masters format means you develop research skills to a higher level than a standard BSc, which is a significant advantage for careers in marine science and environmental consultancy.
The programme uses cutting-edge technologies and field-based methods alongside laboratory science, giving you practical capability that reflects current research and professional practice in the sector.
Graduates move into careers in marine conservation, fisheries management, environmental consultancy, government agencies, oceanographic research, and international environmental organisations. Many continue to doctoral research or other postgraduate study in marine biology, oceanography, or environmental science. The urgency of the challenges facing marine ecosystems means that marine biologists with strong quantitative and research skills are in consistent demand.