Situated on the coast of Cardigan Bay with a hinterland rich in rivers, streams and lakes, Aberystwyth University is the ideal location to study of Marine and Freshwater Biology. Easily accessible habitats range from mountain streams bearing salmon and trout and unique habitats for freshwater invertebrates, through estuaries of international importance, to sandy beaches, rocky reefs, salt marsh and a bay that is home to the largest residential population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK.
We have two research vessels that give you hands-on experience of the range of skills used by professional marine and freshwater biologists. A modern aquarium facilitates aquarium systems for experimental studies of marine and freshwater organisms. Passionate teaching staff that conduct world-leading research across a wide range of marine and freshwater subject areas - you may have even seen some of them on TV documentaries explaining the secret lives of aquatic organisms.
You can participate in two residential field courses, each focused on either marine or freshwater biology. Our wonderful museum and herbarium are full of historic specimens collected from around the globe by generations of famous Aberystwyth University scientists. We have also invested over £55 million in the infrastructure of student facilities.
We have exchange agreements with universities in Europe, USA, Canada, and elsewhere, so you can apply to spend all or part of your 2nd year studying marine and freshwater biology overseas. You’ll miss Aberystwyth, but you’ll love the new perspectives international study can bring.
Our course is delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and practicals and residential field courses. You will receive thorough training in the scientific method and concepts relating to the evolution and ecology of natural systems with an emphasis on marine and freshwater environments. You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, dossiers, posters, portfolios, wikis, reflective diaries, literature reviews, magazine articles field notebooks and exams. The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within the industry. The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.
Our Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including Ecological consultancy, Environmental management and conservation, Teaching and Scientific journalism. This degree also frequently leads to postgraduate research at Masters and PhD level.
Many students also gain research experience volunteering in the research laboratories of IBERS lecturers or through organisations such as Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre.
Our degree at Aberystwyth University teaches you a broad range of skills such as observation, research, analysis, critical evaluation and reflection. The Institute has close links with many learned societies such as the Society of Biology which is a great way of networking with those in your field.
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
C164
Institution code:
A40
Campus Name:
Main Site (Aberystwyth)
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
To include B in A-level Biology.
To include B in A-level Biology.
Pass in Access qualification in a relevant subject with Merit in 50% of units at level 3.
To include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.
In a specified subject.
Aberystwyth University welcomes the Welsh Baccalaureate as a valuable qualification in its own right and considers completion of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate to be equivalent to an A level grade.
Applicants are selected on their individual merits and offers can vary. We allow you flexibility in meeting our entry requirements, and all qualifications that you have already gained, or are working towards, will be considered when reviewing your application.
We have an inclusive policy which recognises a broad range of qualifications. The entry requirements listed above represent typical offers for some of the most popular qualifications taken by applicants.
If you cannot find the qualifications that you are studying (or have previously studied) please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office (Telephone: +44 (0)1970 622021; Email: ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk) for advice on your eligibility and details of the typical offer you are likely to receive.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Cambridge English Advanced
Cambridge English Proficiency
IELTS (Academic)
6.5
With minimum 5.5 in each component.
PTE Academic
55.0
With minimum score of 51 in any component.
TOEFL (iBT)
88.0
With minimum scores in components as follows: Listening 21; Writing 21; Reading 22; Speaking 23.
If you are an international student needing more information about the English Language requirement for your course (e.g. country-specific English Language tests, Partner Institution tests, EU/EEA English Language qualifications where the school curriculum is taught in a native language) please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice.
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
85%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
75%
Go onto work and study:
85%
Fees and funding
England
9000.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9000.0
Year 1
Scotland
9000.0
Year 1
Wales
9000.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9000.0
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
9000.0
Year 1
EU
16300.0
Year 1
International
16300.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
The UK and Welsh Governments have confirmed that EU students commencing their studies in the academic year 2021/22 will no longer be eligible for home fee status. Fees for EU students will therefore be charged in line with international fees from 2021/22 onwards.
Please note Irish nationals will continue to be eligible for home fee status and support by the Welsh Government under the Common Travel Area arrangement.
Provider information
Penglais
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
United Kingdom
SY23 3FL
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