Marine & Freshwater Biology

Water covers most of the Earth's surface and sustains almost all life on it, yet the organisms and ecosystems that inhabit lakes, rivers, streams and the sea remain poorly understood in many respects. Marine and freshwater biology is the scientific study of aquatic life and the environments it depends on, spanning taxonomy, ecology, physiology, behaviour, conservation and the human pressures that increasingly threaten these systems. Studying it equips you with both the scientific knowledge and the practical skills to investigate, monitor and protect aquatic environments.

At Edinburgh Napier University, this part-time programme includes a year abroad, giving you the chance to study in a different aquatic environment and broaden your scientific perspective. You will explore topics including the biology of marine and freshwater organisms, food web dynamics, habitat assessment, water quality, fisheries science, coastal ecology and the impacts of pollution, climate change and invasive species on aquatic communities. Fieldwork and laboratory investigation are central to the discipline, and you will develop practical skills in sampling, species identification, data collection and environmental monitoring alongside your theoretical understanding.

Career paths from this degree span a wide range of sectors. Many graduates move into environmental monitoring and consultancy, working for government agencies, water companies, conservation organisations and private consultancies. Others work in fisheries management, marine conservation, aquaculture or ecological research.

Academic and applied research careers are also a natural pathway, and the degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in marine biology, ecology, environmental science or conservation biology. As pressure on aquatic ecosystems intensifies globally, expertise in this field has never been more needed.