Marine Biology - MSci (Hons)

University of Plymouth

The MSci in Marine Biology is a four-year integrated master’s programme designed to provide students with an extended and immersive research-focused education in marine biology. It builds upon our excellent, long-established BSc pathways in Marine Biology (MB), Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology (MBCE), and Marine Biology and Oceanography (MBO) and adds a fourth year dedicated to independent research and specialist training.Students will follow our dynamic curriculum in marine biology (shadowing our excellent BSc Marine Biology programmes), gaining core knowledge and practical experience in marine ecosystems, ecophysiology, biodiversity, conservation, and related disciplines. The third year includes a research project that will typically involve a systematic literature review and project plan aligned with the student's intended area of practical research in the fourth year.The final year is research-intensive and includes four specialist modules: a year-long 60-credit Research Project, a Research skills module and two 20-credit modules entitled Topics in Marine Biology 1 and Topics in Marine Biology 2. These modules are designed to enhance research competence and provide students with cutting-edge knowledge and transferable skills relevant to research careers and other high-level graduate employment options. Students will be fully integrated into research groups within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, allowing them to be part of our dynamic research culture, and receive close academic supervision throughout.Research ‘Apprenticeship’ Model: Students develop and refine their research skills across two research-intensive years, supported by continuous academic supervision. This approach offers a sustained engagement with a specific research theme and facilitates integration into active research communities.Experiential Learning: The programme includes extensive fieldwork and practical laboratory training, ensuring students gain hands-on experience that is essential for careers in marine biology and related disciplines.Advanced Scientific Training: Through engagement with real-world challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable marine resource use, students will acquire skills in critical scientific thinking, experimental design, data analysis and ecological monitoring.Tailored Learning Pathways: The MSci allows students to pursue topics aligned with their interests whilst developing core competencies in marine biology and interdisciplinary research methods.Supportive Environment: Students benefit from structured academic support, including subject-specific tutorials and mentoring from established, research active, academic supervisors. The integrated structure of the MSci provides both breadth and depth of training, enhancing graduate employability and ensuring a strong foundation for future success in marine and biological sciences.

School of Biological and Marine Sciences