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Overview
Elevate your career on this Applied Aquatic Biology Master's degree. Learn how to tackle the complex challenges aquatic ecosystems face and foster a deeper understanding of aquatic biology.
Located in the heart of diverse marine ecosystems, you'll engage in independent research projects that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead innovative solutions that make a lasting impact on the future of our aquatic ecosystems.
You'll also benefit from time spent in our Institute of Marine Sciences, which is home to a thriving research environment and some of the best facilities in the country – ranking Portsmouth third of all post-1992 universities in the UK for research power.
Once you graduate, you’ll be set to enter careers in conservation, consultancy, fisheries and further study.
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Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Read more about our amazing earth systems and environmental sciences research
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Undertake independent research at the Institute of Marine Sciences
- Learn how to rear coldwater species for restocking programmes, or trial fish food at the Sparsholt College Fishery and Aquatics facilities
- Learn various advanced field and laboratory techniques to assess and monitor aquatic communities and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems
- Gain subject matter expertise in marine conservation and policy, fisheries management and ecotoxicology and pollution
- Learn how to communicate your work to experts and the general public
- Learn from leading international researchers and industry leaders, including environmental consultancies and government bodies
MSc Applied Aquatic Biology | University of Portsmouth
Poppy Martin: With this degree, I think it's really important to look at things as they're happening out in nature because that's what this degree entails.
Kate Dey: Not a lot of students get to go out in the boat and try all these different methods and really have that applied knowledge. We can do a lot like reading a book and doing exams, but when you actually come out in the field, it's a very different story.
Dr Fran Cabada-Blanco: Our course is focused on developing an integral biologist. It covers everything from how the natural systems work or to what type of information is important to give to decision makers. Today we are taking the students out in the sea for them to learn some basic sampling techniques.
Jack MacRobbie: We're collecting baseline data for a few areas around the solent.
Kate Dey: This is a really hands-on approach to marine biology. We're doing plankton tows, but we’re also doing some graph sampling and taking water samples.
Ciarrai Rogers: Field trips like this are amazing at actually developing the skills that you will need within your career. To actually say that you have those practical, physical skills where you can go out and know what to do on a vessel or when you're planning a project, you can say, “okay, this needs this type of sample collection” and you knew how to do it, you can then also pass those skills on as well.
Jack MacRobbie: It's easy to see things down on paper and in the lecture, but it's actually doing them physically. It means that you have a much better understanding of how the technique works.
Dr Fran Cabada-Blanco: These types of fieldwork are the best way for them to actually develop teamwork skills, effective communication and also leadership. Most of our graduates actually end up working for environmental consultancies. They follow a research path, so they progress to a PhD., either government agencies or NGOs, and focus on conservation.
Molly Cornwell: I'd like to go into the research side of things, get a bit more hands on, doing similar things to what we've been doing today. This has been really fun.
Alejandro Roman Gonzalez: If students are thinking of a career or if they have an interest in marine sciences, come and have a look to what we can offer. Not many universities offering this of degrees can actually go out and do things hands-on on a sonographic vessel such as this.
Poppy Martin: Being so close to the coast is really key for marine biology and to be able to experience that and research it will help the future.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Applicants may be invited to attend an interview.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Professional experience and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2025 start)
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
(Including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
- Full-time: £19,200
- Part-time: £9,600 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
- International fieldwork: There may be some additional fees associated with fieldwork depending on the modules you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits.
Core
On this course you'll:
- Demonstrate professional-level project planning, organization, and execution, exhibiting the depth, breadth, and discernment suitable for a Master of Science degree
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review pertinent to a specific research area, employing appropriate research methodologies and techniques.
- Develop a thorough critique of scientific papers, showcasing an understanding of the structure and conventions of scientific writing.
- Perform critical analyses of experimental results, effectively presenting data in a format suitable for scientific discourse.
- Communicate research findings effectively, both orally and in written form, adhering to the standards of scientific reporting.
- Contextualize original research findings within the broader scientific literature, demonstrating the ability to integrate new insights into the existing body of knowledge in aquatic biology.
On this course you'll:
- Evaluate a range of aquatic sampling methods and applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge to apply ethical and experimental considerations to aquatic ecosystem monitoring.<br />
- Develop laboratory skills to analyse aquatic samples at chemical, molecular and organismal level.<br />
- Discriminate data manipulation, analysis and interpretation.<br />
- Develop practical skills and knowledge in the deployment of scientific equipment and data collection in the field.
- Develop soft skills to deliver complex scientific project working individually and within a team.
Optional
On this module you'll:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and conservation issues facing tropical marine ecosystems.
- Acquire practical skills in field methodologies and learn to effectively use field equipment and follow best practices for data collection.
- Gain proficiency in the analysis and interpretation of ecological data, including the use of molecular techniques, GIS mapping, and various statistical methods relevant to marine ecology.
- Understand the role of tropical marine ecosystems in climate mitigation and adaptation, and their importance for local communities.
- Learn to work effectively to produce a research project as part of a team that contributes to the understanding and/or conservation of tropical marine ecosystems.
On this course you'll:
- Critically review aquaculture production methods and their impact on the environment.
- Critically evaluate different aquaculture production systems.
- Critically analyse the production cycles for a range of aquaculture species.
- Critically review the constraints on aquaculture production at a local and global scale.
- Critically evaluate new aquaculture proposals in relation to future global food security.
On this course you'll:
- Critically review primary literature information on aquatic pollution.
- Characterise the responses of aquatic organisms to environmental pollution.
- Critically evaluate the adaptations of marine organisms to their environment.
- Critically evaluate and interpret data relating to the effects of environmental pollutants on a range of aquatic organisms.
On this course you'll:
- Critically evaluate scientific and management strategies for conservation of aquatic ecosystems
- Demonstrate professional level skills in teamwork, information searching, communication and independent thinking.
- Evaluate the key biological processes of aquatic organisms, including those associated with recruitment, growth, development and reproduction and how they affect exploitation of living aquatic resources.
- Critical evaluation of processes involved in assessment of living aquatic resources.
- Critical evaluation of fish habitat management plans and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, including social and economic aspects.
You’ll look at a range of geographical scales, from global to local, and consider different approaches to the sustainable and integrated management of coastal and marine resources.
You’ll examine policy and its importance, need and relevance, and the emerging marine planning regime in the UK, Europe and internationally.
Finally, you’ll look into the history, current practices and future of marine conservation at a range of scales - local, regional and international.
On this course you'll:
- Demonstrate the skills required in science journalism.
- Critically evaluate the merits and disadvantages of a variety of different media.
- Synthesise a science article for a general audience written to a professional standard.
- Produce a mock press release to a professional standard.
Part-time
You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over two years.
Core
On this course you'll:
- Evaluate a range of aquatic sampling methods and applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge to apply ethical and experimental considerations to aquatic ecosystem monitoring.<br />
- Develop laboratory skills to analyse aquatic samples at chemical, molecular and organismal level.<br />
- Discriminate data manipulation, analysis and interpretation.<br />
- Develop practical skills and knowledge in the deployment of scientific equipment and data collection in the field.
- Develop soft skills to deliver complex scientific project working individually and within a team.
Optional
On this course you'll:
- Critically review aquaculture production methods and their impact on the environment.
- Critically evaluate different aquaculture production systems.
- Critically analyse the production cycles for a range of aquaculture species.
- Critically review the constraints on aquaculture production at a local and global scale.
- Critically evaluate new aquaculture proposals in relation to future global food security.
On this course you'll:
- Critically review primary literature information on aquatic pollution.
- Characterise the responses of aquatic organisms to environmental pollution.
- Critically evaluate the adaptations of marine organisms to their environment.
- Critically evaluate and interpret data relating to the effects of environmental pollutants on a range of aquatic organisms.
On this course you'll:
- Critically evaluate scientific and management strategies for conservation of aquatic ecosystems
- Demonstrate professional level skills in teamwork, information searching, communication and independent thinking.
- Evaluate the key biological processes of aquatic organisms, including those associated with recruitment, growth, development and reproduction and how they affect exploitation of living aquatic resources.
- Critical evaluation of processes involved in assessment of living aquatic resources.
- Critical evaluation of fish habitat management plans and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, including social and economic aspects.
You’ll look at a range of geographical scales, from global to local, and consider different approaches to the sustainable and integrated management of coastal and marine resources.
You’ll examine policy and its importance, need and relevance, and the emerging marine planning regime in the UK, Europe and internationally.
Finally, you’ll look into the history, current practices and future of marine conservation at a range of scales - local, regional and international.
On this course you'll:
- Demonstrate the skills required in science journalism.
- Critically evaluate the merits and disadvantages of a variety of different media.
- Synthesise a science article for a general audience written to a professional standard.
- Produce a mock press release to a professional standard.
You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over 2 years.
Core
On this course you'll:
- Demonstrate professional-level project planning, organization, and execution, exhibiting the depth, breadth, and discernment suitable for a Master of Science degree
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review pertinent to a specific research area, employing appropriate research methodologies and techniques.
- Develop a thorough critique of scientific papers, showcasing an understanding of the structure and conventions of scientific writing.
- Perform critical analyses of experimental results, effectively presenting data in a format suitable for scientific discourse.
- Communicate research findings effectively, both orally and in written form, adhering to the standards of scientific reporting.
- Contextualize original research findings within the broader scientific literature, demonstrating the ability to integrate new insights into the existing body of knowledge in aquatic biology.
Optional
On this module you'll:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and conservation issues facing tropical marine ecosystems.
- Acquire practical skills in field methodologies and learn to effectively use field equipment and follow best practices for data collection.
- Gain proficiency in the analysis and interpretation of ecological data, including the use of molecular techniques, GIS mapping, and various statistical methods relevant to marine ecology.
- Understand the role of tropical marine ecosystems in climate mitigation and adaptation, and their importance for local communities.
- Learn to work effectively to produce a research project as part of a team that contributes to the understanding and/or conservation of tropical marine ecosystems.
On this course you'll:
- Critically review aquaculture production methods and their impact on the environment.
- Critically evaluate different aquaculture production systems.
- Critically analyse the production cycles for a range of aquaculture species.
- Critically review the constraints on aquaculture production at a local and global scale.
- Critically evaluate new aquaculture proposals in relation to future global food security.
On this course you'll:
- Critically review primary literature information on aquatic pollution.
- Characterise the responses of aquatic organisms to environmental pollution.
- Critically evaluate the adaptations of marine organisms to their environment.
- Critically evaluate and interpret data relating to the effects of environmental pollutants on a range of aquatic organisms.
On this course you'll:
- Critically evaluate scientific and management strategies for conservation of aquatic ecosystems
- Demonstrate professional level skills in teamwork, information searching, communication and independent thinking.
- Evaluate the key biological processes of aquatic organisms, including those associated with recruitment, growth, development and reproduction and how they affect exploitation of living aquatic resources.
- Critical evaluation of processes involved in assessment of living aquatic resources.
- Critical evaluation of fish habitat management plans and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, including social and economic aspects.
You’ll look at a range of geographical scales, from global to local, and consider different approaches to the sustainable and integrated management of coastal and marine resources.
You’ll examine policy and its importance, need and relevance, and the emerging marine planning regime in the UK, Europe and internationally.
Finally, you’ll look into the history, current practices and future of marine conservation at a range of scales - local, regional and international.
On this course you'll:
- Demonstrate the skills required in science journalism.
- Critically evaluate the merits and disadvantages of a variety of different media.
- Synthesise a science article for a general audience written to a professional standard.
- Produce a mock press release to a professional standard.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Research centres and facilities
Institute of Marine Sciences
Explore the marine ecosystems of the Solent European Marine Site at our shoreside marine station, complete with floating research platform, £2 million aquarium and laboratory suite, and 2 research vessels, RV Calypso and RV Noctiluca.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
You'll spend plenty of time at our industry-leading marine station, the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), located just metres from the sea and the Solent European Marine Site.
You'll monitor and test seawater, looking at how humans impact marine ecosystems and how materials react to different marine environments. These are some of the facilities and equipment you'll use at the IMS.
Course structure
Full-time
- We recommend that full-time students allocate 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job
Part-time
- We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job
Studies include teaching time (lectures, seminars, labs and tutorials), course work, independent learning and assessments
There's lots of lab and field work as part of this course – full-time students could be in labs and lectures up to three days per week
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- field trips
- one-to-one tutorials
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- presentations
- final year project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course.
Professor Alex Ford
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
Most of our successful applied aquatic biology Master's graduates go on to work in environmental consulting, fisheries and marine conservation.
This course has a strong management aspect. Specific modules such as Fisheries Biology and Management are designed to develop the leadership and governance abilities you'll need for a successful career in living resource management and consultancy.
Graduates of this course have gone onto areas such as:
- aquatic living resources management
- marine NGOs
- private sector consultancy
- government-based research
- conservation
- teaching
- further study or academic research
- scientific journalism
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Marine scientist
- Waste minimisation officer
- Fish house specialist
- Insurance broker
- Laboratory technician
- Maritime and hydrocarbon sales manager
- Environmental monitoring technician
- Reef conservation volunteer
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Scottish Sea Farms
- Benthic Solutions Ltd
- North Somerset Council
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with employers
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Placements and industry connections
There's no formal work placement component of this course, but our regular visiting speakers are industry experts who'll offer their own advice and insights in professional and career development.
Speakers include representatives from Government and Governmental bodies, industry, conservation authorities, and the renowned international geoscience and environmental technology company, CGG.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.