| UCAS code | CF16 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Ecology and Conservation |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
Overview
- Our MSci provides an opportunity to work on a project focused on a specialised area aligned with one of our leading research groups
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the biology of marine organisms and the ecosystems in which they reside
- Learn concepts, and develop skills and experience, required to understand all aspects of marine ecosystems and the pressures they face, ranging from overexploitation to climate change
- Be taught by some of the world’s leading biologists, working in evolution, behaviour, ecology and conservation, and undertake fieldwork in the UK and further afield
- Study at our modern, eco-friendly Penryn Campus, situated in one of the UK’s most beautiful and inspiring regions, with a stunning natural environment that serves as your classroom
4th in the world for Ecology
Shanghai Rankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year’s placement in business or industry
4th in the world for Ecology
Shanghai Rankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year’s placement in business or industry
I love the research inspired teaching delivered by our academics and the opportunities to get involved in their cutting-edge research. An example of this is my work with Annette Broderick, where I assist in the fitting of satellite tags on Green turtles for her research.
I love watersports so being so immersed in the marine environment fits with my lifestyle very well. The student community is also very strong here and there is so much going on to get involved in.
Jade
MSci Marine Biology
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | A in a science subject* |
| IB | 34/665 | HL6 in a science subject* |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying one of the following subject areas in either the BTEC Extended Diploma, or Diploma will be considered without GCE A-Level Science: Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Applied Science, Animal Management, Agriculture, Countryside Management, Fish Management, Forestry and Arboriculture, Marine Biology |
| GCSE | C or 4 and B or 5 | Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language and grade B or 5 in Mathematics |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | To include at least 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in accepted science subjects* |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only); Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths/Statistics; Marine Science; Nutrition and Food Science; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied).
Course content
The four-year MSci Marine Biology programme mirrors the BSc Marine Biology programme during the first three years, and includes an additional fourth year during which you will undertake an advanced research project. You will also undertake a two-week intensive field course in which your scientific field-research, debating, and presentation skills will be further developed.
The programme provides you with the skills, concepts, and experience required to understand all aspects of marine ecosystems and the pressures they face, ranging from overexploitation to climate change. Our interdisciplinary approach to the study of marine ecosystems, from rocky shores to open-oceans and from shallow surface seas to deep-water habitats, allows you to develop a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques. The interface between research and learning is central to the degree programme and equips our graduates for career opportunities across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Develop a broad knowledge of the biology of the marine environment alongside core understanding of biological and ecological principles. Emphasis will be placed on theory underpinned by fieldwork and the development of a suite of techniques appropriate to studying life in the sea.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO1434 | Ecology and Conservation | 30 |
| BIO1433 | Marine Biology | 30 |
| BIO1435 | Animal Diversity | 30 |
Optional modules
30 credits of optional modules or you may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme, as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO1436 | Evolution and Genetics | 30 |
| BIO1437 | Life Processes | 30 |
Make use of the skills and concepts learned in your first year to study marine life with a particular focus on the interaction between organisms and their environments. Concepts explained in detail in the classroom are brought to life in the field.
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.
a It is compulsory to take a field course in the second year. If you are unable to go on a field course, you will be required to take BIO2450 Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course instead. BIO2450 is only available if you are not going on the field course.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO2426 | Analysis of Biological Data | 15 |
| BIO2450 | Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course [See note a above} | 15 |
| BIO2470 | UK Marine Field Course [See note a above} | 15 |
| BIO2462 | Marine Ecology | 30 |
| BIO2464 | Marine Monitoring | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECC S2 BSc-MSci MB Opt 2024-5 | ||
| BIO2407 | Population and Community Ecology | 15 |
| BIO2423 | Wildlife Disease | 15 |
| BIO2425 | Introduction to Ecological Consultancy | 15 |
| BIO2414 | Evolutionary Ecology | 15 |
| BIO2461 | Conservation Science | 30 |
| BIO2463 | Animal Behaviour | 30 |
| BIO2465 | Wildlife Exploitation | 15 |
| BIO2467 | Adaptations to Life on Earth | 15 |
| BIO2466 | GIS for Wildlife Mapping | 15 |
Work closely with an academic member of staff and carry out a detailed independent research project in the wild or a laboratory. You may also take a bespoke marine biology residential field course in order to gain practical experience of research in the wild.
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.
b It is compulsory to take a field course in the final year and you will be allocated based on degree and/or preference. If you do not attend a residential field course, you will be required to take BIO3440 Global Research Skills virtual field-course plus either BIO3407 Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology or another 15 credit module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO3136 | Research Project | 40 |
| ECC SF BSc-MSci MB Field Trip modules 2025-6 [See note b above] | ||
| BIO3423 | Azores Field Course | 30 |
| BIO3429 | Northern Spain Field Course | 30 |
| BIO3444 | Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation in Wild Places: The Forests and Oceans of Yukon and Alaska | 30 |
| BIO3440 | Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course [See note b above] | 15 |
| BIO3407 | Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology [See note b above] | 15 |
| LES3001 | Preparing to Graduate | 5 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECC SF BSc-MSci MB Opt 2024-5 | ||
| BIO3116 | Marine Vertebrate Conservation | 15 |
| BIO3400 | Living in Groups | 15 |
| BIO3407 | Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology | 15 |
| BIO3409 | Symbiosis in Marine Systems | 15 |
| BIO3410 | Sensory Ecology | 15 |
| BIO3411 | Science in Society | 15 |
| BIO3413 | Animal Life Histories | 15 |
| BIO3415 | Ecological Responses to Climate Change | 15 |
| BIO3420 | Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease | 15 |
| BIO3421 | Animal Migration | 15 |
| BIO3422 | Animal Cognition | 15 |
| BIO3433 | Ocean Management and Conservation | 15 |
| BIO3434 | Major Transitions in Evolutionary History | 15 |
| BIO3440 | Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course | 15 |
| BIO3443 | The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology | 15 |
Work on an advanced literature review and a research project, both focused on a specialised area. The remainder of your time will be spent on a two-week intensive field course.
120 credits of compulsory modules
c You must choose either LESM007 or BIOM4043
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOM052 | Academic Research Project | 60 |
| BioP LESM007 - BIOM4043 [See note d above] | ||
| LESM007 | Global Challenges Field Course (MSci) | 30 |
| BIOM4043 | Rewilding the United Kingdom | 30 |
| LESM003 | Literature Review in the Life Sciences | 15 |
| LESM005 | Applied Data Analysis | 15 |
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year
Fieldwork
Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. When participating in these optional field courses, you will be expected to cover the cost of travel to some locations, which will be outlined clearly beforehand. However, field courses with no additional travel costs are available to select in each year.
You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Fieldwork
We pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of field courses across our Ecology and Conservation degrees with exciting local, national and international destinations.
These field courses not only allow you to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations in superb locations, but also provide a fantastic opportunity to forge lasting relationships with fellow students and academics.
The residential field courses are an opportunity to apply your field skills first-hand in environments studied by our world-leading ecological researchers. They are designed to complement your degree and highlight conservation issues at the forefront of the subject for terrestrial and marine species and habitats.
» Read more about our field courses
Please note, whilst a compulsory field course is included in the tuition fee, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. Field course destinations are subject to change.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Fieldwork
- Laboratory sessions
- Independent study
- Regular research seminars, by our staff and visiting lecturers
Learn from experts
We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and being taught by experts. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be an active member of a research team. Our academics bring their results from the laboratory and the field directly to their teaching, and our students also help to collect this data.
In your final year you will become an active member of our research team. We have very close links with a wide range of conservation organisations in the UK and overseas, such as the British Trust for Ornithology, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Marine Conservation Society. These links mean you will benefit from frequent guest lectures, placement opportunities and project work.
Your first year does not count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress. All marks after your first year count towards your final classification.
Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation.
Academic support
- Personal Tutor: You will have a Personal Tutor available for advice and support throughout your studies.
- Study skills: Help with essay writing, research skills, time management, presentations and more.
Peer mentoring
All first-years will have the opportunity to join dynamic weekly groups, hosted by both second-year and PhD Biosciences students in Cornwall, which span a range of key areas, such as:
- Social and pastoral care
- Key skills
- Employability
- Discipline-specific support
These groups allow you to benefit from advice from your more experienced peers, helping ease your transition into university life.
The subject of the inaugural meeting is decided by the group leader, but you can then suggest subsequent session topics, so sessions are tailored to your direct needs.
Social media groups, such as on Facebook and Google, are also used for continued group discussions and communication outside of the weekly meetings.
There are direct links between session content and modules, which immediately follow lectures where possible.
Facilities
Our facilities include:
- Teaching laboratories
- Computing suites
- Field equipment for research projects
- Library and online resources
- Access to research vessel used to support undergraduate teaching and research projects
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
So far, the best part of this programme was the trip to the Azores in September. We spent twelve days on the archipelago and saw so many amazing species such as sperm whales and risso’s dolphins! It was an amazing way to get closer to my course mates, learn lots about the industry and see some amazing things!
Rhiannon
MSci Marine Biology
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Ecology and Conservation will help you to develop a wide range of essential skills such as analytical problem-solving, teamwork and organising and communicating information.
Many of our students continue their studies in the subject by following a further degree and research in their chosen area.
Supporting your career in Ecology and Conservation
Each year Ecology and Conservation students are able to access a huge range of opportunities to support their future career options.
Sector-related careers and employability sessions are put on for students during their studies which include:
- career talks and networking events with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds,
- employability seminar series events hosted by employers,
- ‘Dragons Den’ style assessment days,
- mock interviews
- and an annual Careers Fair where students can develop networking skills.
Careers Services
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.
Career paths
Many of our graduates are employed in discipline-relevant roles in the UK and overseas including laboratory-based positions, conservation management, ecology, teaching and nursing. Others use the skills gained on their course to enter widely different career paths in law, business or management.
Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Ecology and Conservation degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Ecology and Conservation undergraduate programmes*.
Recent graduates are now working as:
- Conservation professionals
- Biological scientists
- Environment professionals
- Laboratory technicians
- Welfare and housing associate professionals
- Web design professionals
- Public relations professionals
- Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
- Archivists and curators
Recent graduates are now working for:
- AECOM
- Cornwall Science Community
- Darwin Ecology
- Ecology Solutions
- Fishtek Consulting
- Harris Lamb Property Consultants
- Natural England
- Society for the Protection of Turtles
- UKSTEM Ltd
- World Wildlife Fund
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from an Ecology and Conservation undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes*.
- MPH/MRes/PhD Biological Sciences
- MPH Medical Studies
- MRes Ecosystem and Environmental Change
- MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
- MSc Environment and Human Health
- MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
- MSc Immunology
- MSc Marine Environmental Management
- MSc Surveying and Land/Environmental Management
- MSc Toxicology
*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
