Marine Zoology

Marine zoology is the scientific study of the animals that live in the world's oceans and coastal environments, from microscopic zooplankton and invertebrates through fish, seabirds, and marine mammals to the bacteria and algae that form the base of marine food webs. The ocean covers more than two thirds of the Earth's surface and is essential to the functioning of the planet's climate, nutrient cycles, and the food systems that billions of people depend on. Understanding marine life in all its diversity, and developing the skills to protect and manage it, has never been more important.

At the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, this three-year, full-time programme is built around the conviction that the planet's survival depends on its oceans, and that training well-rounded marine zoologists with the skills to tackle global challenges is an urgent priority. You will explore the full range of marine life, from the molecular biology of marine organisms to the ecology of entire ecosystems, developing both laboratory and fieldwork skills alongside the quantitative and analytical capabilities that research and conservation practice require. A sandwich year, year abroad option, and work placement opportunities are all available, giving you professional experience in research organisations, marine conservation bodies, or aquaria.

Graduates go on to careers in marine conservation, fisheries management, aquaculture, environmental impact assessment, research, and marine education. Government agencies, environmental consultancies, NGOs, and international bodies concerned with ocean governance are all significant employers. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in marine biology, marine ecology, or oceanography, developing specialist expertise in areas such as fish biology, cetacean research, or deep sea ecology.

The combination of biological knowledge and practical marine skills the degree provides is well-suited to addressing the conservation challenges the ocean faces.