Marine biology is a broad and dynamic subject, reflecting the diversity of marine ecosystems and the fantastic array of life they contain. Biological marine processes exert massive influences on the Earth's climate and biogeochemical cycling. Closely linked with the diverse research pursuits of scientists at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and University, this programme allows you to develop research skills in a marine context that are widely applicable.
In your first term you will study core modules which concentrate on building up your general research and academic skills. You’ll also be introduced to the research and organisation of the MBA and the Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre at the University, with a focus upon raising your awareness of potential dissertation topics and advisors. You’ll take a specific module based on your chosen specialisation. The ecology option includes additional training in the analysis of ecological data and conservation/biodiversity assessments. The cellular and molecular option meanwhile focuses on DNA and microbiological techniques, biological imaging, and electrophysiological methods. The majority of time from mid-January onwards is spent on your research project and dissertation. You’ll undertake your project working directly with researchers at the MBA, Plymouth University or one of our other partner institutions. It may also be possible to conduct your project abroad.
Application procedure
Click here to apply: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/postgraduate
Cost:
EU applicants should refer to our dedicated Brexit webpage for details of the implications of the UK’s plans to leave the European Union.
New Students
- Home/EU- £9,500
- International- £14,400
- Part time (Home/EU)- £550
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.
Postgraduate scholarships for international students
We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.
Find out about the postgraduate scholarships available to you as an international student here.
Grant opportunities
EU applicants should refer to our dedicated Brexit webpage for details of the implications of the UK’s plans to leave the European Union.
| New Student | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Home/EU | £9,800 | To be confirmed |
| International | £14,800 | To be confirmed |
| Part time (Home/EU) | £550 | To be confirmed |
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.
Alumnus loyalty reward for postgraduate study
The University applies a discretionary alumni reward where alumnus meet certain criteria on particular postgraduate taught courses.
- a 20 per cent discount on home/EU tuition fees
- or a £2,000 discount on international tuition fees.
- a 10 per cent alumni discount is available on the following programmes: MSc Advanced Psychology, MSc Clinical Psychology, MSc/PgDip Psychology and MSc Occupational Therapy.
PGCE programmes, Master of Architecture, MChem, MEng, MGeol, MPsych, MSci, ResM, MSc Environmental Consultancy, MSc Sustainable Aquaculture, MSc Environmental Geochemistry and postgraduate research degrees are not included in this reward.
Please note that students must have applied directly to be eligible.
For further details, and contact information, please review our alumni discount policy.
Postgraduate scholarships for international students
We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.
Find out about the postgraduate scholarships available to you as an international student
Learning outcomes
Core modules
BIO5131 Postgraduate Research Skills & Methods- The module provides the research- and communication-related skills that biology postgraduates require to carry out an original research project at the forefront of their academic discipline. Emphasis is given to the philosophy, design, ethics and management of research, effective communication to a range of audiences, and advice on career management and presentation skills involved in job applications and interviews.
MBAM5106 Advanced Research in Marine Biology- This module introduces students to marine biological research at the MBA and PU, the approaches and techniques used and the staff, with a focus upon the interdisciplinarity of contemporary marine biology. The module also familiarises the students with MBA practices and facilities, including safe working and risk assessment. Students will be provided with guidance on the preparation of scientific research for publication.
MBAM5109 Marine Biology MRes Dissertation- The student will complete an independent research project that they have designed. The project can be submitted in a journal paper format or as a dissertation. The write-up will include project aims, research problem to be addressed, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, discussion/synthesis, conclusions, supported by Figures and Tables. The student must defend the work in a viva voce with the External Examiner.
Optional modules
MBAM5107 Molecular and Cellular Approaches in Marine Biology- This MBA-based module is an intensive introduction to the advanced molecular and cellular principles, concepts and techniques and that are applied by researchers at the MBA. The students will be actively involved with relevant research groups and will be taught using a lecture/seminar and practical approach.
MBAM5108 Marine Ecology and Conservation- This module deals with three main areas: threats and impacts upon marine systems, marine conservation methods & policy, and data analytical approaches for marine ecological studies.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change.
Objective:
- Study in Plymouth, an internationally renowned city for marine biological research.
- Participate in a specifically designed, topical programme jointly hosted by Plymouth University and the Marine Biological Association (MBA) of the UK.
- Choose between pathways to suit your research interests, biodiversity and ecology or cellular and molecular biology.
- Benefit from being taught by recognised experts with worldwide links to research organisations and projects.
- Draw on our expertise, working alongside research staff on a personal project.
- Undertake an extensive, original and innovative research project, often in collaboration with MBA Research Fellows, or one of our other partner institutions (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science and the National Marine Aquarium), either in the UK or abroad.
- Excellent training for further research.
- See the benefit from close links with the research community worldwide.
Prerequisites
A 2:1 or first-class honours degree or equivalent, preferably in a biological subject, with 2:1 grade or equivalent in a research project or dissertation.
International students: IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent.
If you have overseas qualifications you can check their comparability with the UK equivalent through the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC), who provide an advisory service.
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
imum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
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