Marine Biology with a Foundation Year

Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the oceans and other saltwater environments: the organisms that live there, from microscopic plankton to the largest marine mammals, the ecosystems they form, the physical and chemical conditions that support them, and the human pressures that threaten them. It is a discipline with growing urgency, as climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution and habitat loss pose unprecedented challenges to marine ecosystems that human societies depend on for food, climate regulation and biodiversity. Marine biologists contribute to understanding these challenges and to designing evidence-based responses.

At Swansea University, this four-year full-time programme, which includes a foundation year, is situated in an ideal location for marine biology, with direct access to the seas, coastlines and marine environments of south Wales. The foundation year is designed to build the scientific knowledge and academic skills you need before entering the main degree, and is well suited to students who have a strong interest in marine biology but benefit from additional preparation in biology and chemistry before tackling degree-level science. The main degree gives you a broad and deep understanding of marine ecosystems, the biological principles that govern life in the oceans, oceanography, ecology, and the conservation and management of marine environments.

You will develop strong practical and field skills alongside your theoretical knowledge, including fieldwork and laboratory work that brings you into direct contact with marine organisms and habitats.

The degree prepares you to make meaningful contributions to contemporary environmental and societal challenges, with an emphasis on applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems.

Graduates move into marine conservation, environmental consultancy, fisheries management, oceanographic research, government environmental agencies, science communication, and academic research. Postgraduate study in marine biology, ecology or environmental science is a well-established pathway for those who want to pursue research careers or specialist expertise.