Sea levels are rising. Icebergs are melting. Species are facing extinction. Now more than ever, we need to protect our precious marine resources. That’s where you come in…
You’ll be studying at the centre of one of the UK’s most important aquatic habitats with the North Sea, internationally recognised research facilities – including The Deep – and the rest of the Yorkshire Nature Triangle on your doorstep.
Plus, this course is accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) so you’ll have a pathway to become a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist when you graduate.
95% of students
in work or further study 18 months after graduating
HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2026
Joint 3rd in the UK
for Value Added Score
The Guardian University Rankings, 2026
9th in the UK
for Assessment and Feedback
National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, HEIs only
This course is accredited by
Award-winning
academics teach on this course1
Your first step
to becoming a Chartered Scientist
Dive in
and train to become a PADI-certified diver 2
Course accredited
by The Institution of Environmental Sciences
About this course
Study life beneath the waves on this exciting, accredited course that includes optional, subsidised scuba dive training.2
During your first two years with us, you’ll complete a broad and varied programme to give you a thorough foundation in essential marine biology studies. You’ll learn all aspects of the marine environment, from the diversity of marine organisms to the impact of ocean acidification and climate change.
In year three, you’ll then have the chance to specialise in the areas you’re most interested in and get involved in research that’s making a difference to our world and the people on it.
We’re constantly reviewing our optional modules – so everything you learn reflects the cutting edge of the subject and the latest research by our award-winning staff – and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on.
Our field trips here are exceptional – both at home and overseas. Recently, our students got the chance to work in far-flung places like Brazil and Egypt.
On top of this, we offer part-funded PADI advanced scuba dive training as part of your degree.
Start a field trip that never ends
Foundation year
A foundation year at the University of Hull gives you a solid grounding of knowledge and boosts your academic skills, so you can progress on to your chosen programme with confidence.
The foundation course you enrol on may not be an exact match to your chosen degree, but don’t worry. Our foundation courses combine content from multiple related courses in the same subject area, giving you more flexibility and choice about the degree path you take.
For example, if you apply for a Music Foundation Year, you’ll join our Media Foundation course. So, if you decide to switch - say, from Music to Graphic Design - you can do so without restarting your foundation year.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
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Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, and how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Biological Sciences 1
This module will provide you with the basic biological science knowledge that will enable you to transition successfully into the certificate stage of your chosen programme of studies. You will gain basic knowledge of cell biology, biological molecules, energy processes like respiration, neurobiology and many other topics. Alongside the theoretical knowledge, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to use a microscope and how to collect data in the laboratory, in a specialist sport science facility or using psychological techniques. You will also learn how to present and write about those data professionally. The teaching team for this module consists of lecturers in the disciplines connected to your programmes of study, so there will be a strong connection to your chosen subject area.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Biological Sciences 2
Explore a range of biological topics relating to whole organism biology, diversity and adaptations. Through lectures, workshops and practical sessions you will delve in to the world of classification and identification, natural selection and evolution, food security, population biology, environmental monitoring and human impacts.
core
20 credits
Foundation in Data Analysis
You'll be introduced to different ways of analysing qualitative and quantitative data, learn how to code qualitative data and use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse quantitative data.
core
20 credits
Group Challenge
In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.
core
20 credits
Foundation Maths Skills
This module delivers core mathematics skills at level two and three to give a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: manipulation of numerical data and converting between different units of measurement; exponentials and logarithms; and standard form and problems involving ratio, proportion and percentages.
optional
20 credits
Foundation Mathematics A
You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.
optional
20 credits
Adaptation to the Marine Environment
Life in the ocean is complex and varied, with a bewildering diversity of organisms adapted for life in an ever-changing realm from the deepest trenches to the intertidal zone. Over time, organisms have evolved a range of mechanisms for coping with these conditions, adapting to life in the deepest oceans, rapidly changing intertidal areas and heavily exploited shallow seas. Here we explore how organisms have adapted to key environmental factors and consider how they will cope with future challenges under a climate change scenario
compulsory
20 credits
Diversity of Life
Through practical workshops, this module introduces you to the diversity of life and the fascinating adaptations that enable organisms to inhabit nearly all conceivable ecological niches.
compulsory
20 credits
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr Nicky Dobson
Course overview
2 mins
Marine Biology field trip
Course Highlight
1 min
Hannah Lightley
Course Highlight
2 mins
Featured academics
You learn from the best: a small, friendly department that does world-leading research.
In fact, Hull is the only university in the world to have three winners in the Royal Society of Biology’s Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year Awards.
Professor Rodney Forster
Professor
Rodney is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Biology and a current member of the Defra Ocean Processes Evidence Group. His teaching and research interests include intertidal ecology, ocean colour, underwater optics and primary production.
Dr Sue Hull
Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology and Ecology / Programme Director, Marine Biology
Sue is an intertidal marine ecologist and programme director for Marine Biology at Hull. She jointly won the CIRIA Award for Innovation in 2019 for her work on sea defences and is part of a research cluster looking at birds in the Humber Estuary.
Field trips
Start a field trip that never ends
Want a course that gets you out of the classroom? You’re in the right place. Choose Hull and you’ll have the whole of the Yorkshire Nature Triangle and some of the best training facilities in the UK on your doorstep.
From observing the seal colonies of Donna Nook to monitoring mine pollution up in Skinningrove, our students learn by doing. Where else could you end up? Our School field trip locations can change year on year, but you can find the latest destinations in our interactive map.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need 80 UCAS points.
For applicants with qualifications in subjects other than those key to the degree, we will usually require a minimum of 80 points from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.
But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.
Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.
Typical offer
80 UCAS points
A levels
CDD
BTEC
MMP
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2027 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2026-27 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £9,790 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £9,790.
Planning a year abroad? This costs £1,465 for UK students.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Foundation Year Fee
£9,790
Standard Tuition Fee
£9,790 / year
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
Future prospects
The field and lab skills you'll learn will open up a wide range of careers, such as being a scientific officer with organisations such as the Environment Agency, local councils or fisheries agencies.
Many of our graduates pursue careers in environmental consultancy or if you’re more focused on conservation, you can pursue a career with a wildlife trust or conservation organisation.
There’s also the option to move on to postgraduate study. Like our MSc in Environmental Change Management and Monitoring, a PhD, research Masters or teacher training.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
The standard way to apply is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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Our friendly, supportive lecturers include winners of the Royal Society of Biology’s 'Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award'.
Choose subsidised dive training as part of our Ecology module and become a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water Diver (extra fee may be payable).
All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time. All field trips on this course page are indicative and locations may change at any time