Marine & Freshwater Biology

Marine and freshwater biology addresses some of the most pressing environmental questions of our time. Aquatic ecosystems, from the deep ocean and coastal seas to rivers, lakes, and wetlands, cover the majority of the Earth's surface and support an extraordinary diversity of life. They regulate the global climate, provide food for billions of people, and are under increasing pressure from pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and the changing climate.

Studying marine and freshwater biology means developing the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to understand these ecosystems and contribute to their conservation and management.

At Edinburgh Napier University, this four-year full-time programme gives you a comprehensive grounding in the biology of aquatic environments, covering topics such as marine ecology, freshwater ecology, aquatic biodiversity, oceanography, physiology of aquatic organisms, conservation biology, and environmental monitoring techniques. The four-year structure allows for greater depth of study than a standard three-year degree, giving you time to develop both theoretical understanding and practical fieldwork skills. The programme includes a year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to study in a different country and potentially engage with aquatic environments and research traditions that are quite different from those you encounter in Scotland.

Scotland itself is a remarkable location for this discipline, with access to extensive coastline, numerous freshwater lochs and rivers, and internationally significant marine habitats.

Graduates in marine and freshwater biology work in environmental consultancy, conservation agencies, government environmental bodies, fisheries management, water quality monitoring, research, and environmental policy. Roles with organisations such as the Environment Agency, the Marine Management Organisation, Scottish Natural Heritage, and various wildlife charities are common destinations. Many graduates pursue postgraduate research in aquatic ecology, marine science, conservation biology, or environmental management, contributing to the scientific knowledge base that informs how these critical ecosystems are protected.

This is a degree for people who are genuinely committed to understanding and protecting the natural world.