Discover the best UK universities for Marine Biology in 2026. Dive into ocean science, conservation, and cutting-edge research with top-ranked courses.
Best Universities for Marine Biology: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Plymouth | 88 | 81 |
| 2 Silver | Bangor University | 85 | 79 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Southampton | 87 | 78 |
| 4 | University of St Andrews | 84 | 75 |
| 5 | University of Aberdeen | 83 | 74 |
| 6 | University of Glasgow | 82 | 73 |
| 7 | University of East Anglia | 81 | 75 |
| 8 | University of Newcastle | 80 | 77 |
| 9 | University of Liverpool | 79 | 76 |
| 10 | University of Southampton Solent | 78 | 74 |
1. University of Plymouth Gold
2. Bangor University Silver
3. University of Southampton Bronze
4. University of St Andrews
5. University of Aberdeen
6. University of Glasgow
7. University of East Anglia
8. University of Newcastle
9. University of Liverpool
10. University of Southampton Solent
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Marine Biology rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to highlight the best coastal and biosciences universities for marine studies.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Marine Biology Universities Explained
University of Southampton
Known for marine research excellence, fieldwork opportunities, and strong graduate prospects.University of Plymouth
Offers hands-on experience with marine ecosystems and access to marine labs and vessels.Bangor University
Specialises in marine science with great coastal location and student support.University of Aberdeen
Strong research output in marine biology and oceanography, plus good student satisfaction.University of Glasgow
Affordable city, quality teaching, and strong environmental science links.University of Newcastle
Good mix of academic rigour and vibrant student life near the coast.University of St Andrews
Historic university with excellent marine science research and community feel.University of Exeter
Strong environmental focus, good placements, and supportive campus life.University of York
Known for interdisciplinary biology courses with marine biology options.University of Liverpool
Balanced academic strengths and lively social scene.Career Prospects After a Marine Biology Degree
Graduates can work in conservation, marine research, environmental consultancy, and policy. Related fields include Environmental Science and Biology.
Marine Biology Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry requirements include A-levels in Biology and Chemistry with UCAS points around 120–140 depending on the university.
Cheapest Cities to Study Marine Biology in the UK
Plymouth, Bangor, and Aberdeen offer great cost-to-quality ratios for marine studies.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Liverpool, Newcastle, and Exeter have thriving student scenes perfect for balancing study and fun.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Top support services are available at Exeter, St Andrews, and Bangor with tailored student care.
Not Sure About Marine Biology? Consider These Alternatives
Explore Environmental Science, Biotechnology, or Biology.
Summary: Which Marine Biology Uni is Right for You?
Look for a mix of research opportunities, coastal access, social life, and career support. Bookmark this guide to compare your choices.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Marine Biology
Leading choices include the University of Southampton, Bangor University, University of Plymouth, University of St Andrews, and the University of Exeter. They combine strong coastal access, active research groups, and high student satisfaction.
Southampton and St Andrews often compete for the top spot in UK league tables, with Plymouth and Bangor close behind. Rankings shift each year, so check the latest tables before you apply.
Yes. It opens doors to careers in conservation, environmental management, research, and marine policy. Students who gain field and lab experience during their degree see the best outcomes after graduation.
Most courses ask for Biology and often Chemistry. Some accept Mathematics, Environmental Science, or Geography as the second science. Always check the entry requirements for your chosen course.
Graduates move into marine research, conservation charities, environmental consulting, aquaculture, fisheries management, and science communication. Some continue to a masters or PhD for specialist roles.
Demand is steady across conservation, offshore and coastal planning, marine renewables, and environmental compliance. Graduates with GIS, data skills, and boat or dive experience are especially competitive.
Typical starting pay is from £20,000 to £28,000. With experience in research, consultancy, or regulation, salaries can rise to £35,000 to £45,000 and higher for senior specialists and project leads.
Balancing fieldwork with lab reports and statistics can be tough. Modules in ecology, oceanography, and data analysis are intensive and require strong time management.
Employers include the Environment Agency, Natural England, marine consultancies, universities, aquariums, NGOs, and international conservation projects across Europe and beyond.
Yes. It is a rigorous science degree with strong practical training. Courses with field schools, research cruises, and industry placements are viewed very positively by employers.
Many universities offer a placement year or professional practice module. Popular options include roles with consultancies, aquariums, conservation trusts, and government agencies working on coastal projects.
Yes. Most courses include coastal surveys, intertidal sampling, and at sea training. Some offer residential field courses in the UK or overseas to build real data collection experience.
Diving is not essential for most degrees, but a recognised certification such as PADI Open Water can help for certain research projects and may improve employability in survey work.
Typical offers sit between AAB and BBB or the UCAS points equivalent, with a strong grade in Biology. Competitive courses may ask for an additional science subject.
Some courses hold accreditation from bodies such as the Royal Society of Biology. Accreditation signals strong scientific content and good practical training, which can support career progression.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked