marine biology choices

i’m currently in year 12 going to be applying for university next year for marine biology , i do an animal management btec ( 3 a levels) + an a level in psychology
my main two options are exeter , plymouth then my backups im thinking of is bangor , university of aberdeen and maybe hull. But i really would prefer to go to exeter or plymouth i think exeter is going to my first choice but ive heard loads of people say plymouth is better than exeter for marine biology would anybody say this is true what do u think is best for marine biology

Reply 1

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Anonymous

i’m currently in year 12 going to be applying for university next year for marine biology , i do an animal management btec ( 3 a levels) + an a level in psychology
my main two options are exeter , plymouth then my backups im thinking of is bangor , university of aberdeen and maybe hull. But i really would prefer to go to exeter or plymouth i think exeter is going to my first choice but ive heard loads of people say plymouth is better than exeter for marine biology would anybody say this is true what do u think is best for marine biology

Hi @Anonymous,

If you’re set on marine biology, Exeter’s Penryn Campus is honestly one of the best places in the UK to study it. The course is taught down in Cornwall rather than on the main Streatham campus, which makes a huge difference - you’re literally minutes away from the coast, and a lot of your practical learning takes place in the field. It’s a smaller campus with a really close, friendly student community, but it’s still part of the wider University of Exeter, so you get that same academic reputation and access to all the uni’s resources.

In terms of the course itself, it’s very hands-on - there’s lots of fieldwork, lab time, and research opportunities, and the lecturers are active researchers in marine conservation and ecology. You’ll get to work in small groups and really get to know your lecturers, which students say makes the course feel much more personal.

The student life at Penryn is also quite lively despite being smaller; there are plenty of societies, beaches nearby, and outdoor activities, and Falmouth town has a good social scene with pubs, live music, and events that students from both Exeter and Falmouth Uni get involved in.

So if you’re leaning towards Exeter, it’s definitely a solid choice strong academics, amazing location for marine science, and a really supportive student environment. I really recommend coming to visit the campus at an open day - click here for opportunities.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Klaudia
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 2

Bangor Uni

Official Rep

13

Hey 👋

I’m from Bangor, so I can’t really comment on Exeter or Plymouth (although I’ve heard great things about both 🌟). Obviously, I’d love for you to come to Bangor - I’m Team Bangor through and through 💚 - but I know it’s not your top choice, so here are a few general things to think about when choosing your course and uni.

💡 Have you been to an Open Day? Honestly, it’s the best way to get a real feel for the place! You usually get an instant vibe when you visit, and that gut feeling can tell you a lot about whether it’s right for you.

👩*🏫 Class sizes Different class sizes come with different benefits - smaller ones can be more personal, while bigger ones can feel more lively. Try to find out what the classes are like and how much contact you’ll have with lecturers or personal tutors.

🔬 Facilities What kind of facilities will you be using? Are there labs, really cool research vessel 😜 and how often do you actually get to use them? It’s worth asking about this on Open Days or online Q&As.

🏫 The uni vibe Is it a smaller, close-knit uni where everyone knows each other, or a big, buzzing campus with loads going on? There’s no right answer - just whatever suits you.

💼 Placements & opportunities If placements or practical experience are important to you, check what’s available and how easy it is to get involved. Some unis have great links with employers, which can really help later on.

Hope that helps you think things through! 😊

Here are some useful links to Bangor in case they do help you or anyone else reading
Marine Biology at Bangor University
Bangor University Open Days
Bangor University as you've never seen it before!

Good luck, all the best, Ffi 🙂

Reply 3

University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Official Rep

12

Original post

by Anonymous

i’m currently in year 12 going to be applying for university next year for marine biology , i do an animal management btec ( 3 a levels) + an a level in psychology
my main two options are exeter , plymouth then my backups im thinking of is bangor , university of aberdeen and maybe hull. But i really would prefer to go to exeter or plymouth i think exeter is going to my first choice but ive heard loads of people say plymouth is better than exeter for marine biology would anybody say this is true what do u think is best for marine biology

Hey there! I study Zoology here at the University of Plymouth, which has quite a lot of overlap in modules and content, and I actually focus on a lot of marine research/work here so I can do my best to answer any questions you might have about the university or course? 🙂

Plymouth has one of the highest concentrations of marine scientists in all of Europe, with the University of Plymouth having marine biology as one of its most popular and specialist courses available. The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, National Marine Aquarium (Ocean Conservation Trust), and more are all located in the city and many students partner with these organisations for research, placements, and other opportunities, making it a great place to get involved right from the start of your course in the sector.

The university has a specialist marine station which students can access through their studies, own research projects, and other opportunities. It's equipped with several boats for surveys, scientific diving, expeditions, and more, and I've loved jumping aboard and getting to go on trips into the Plymouth National Marine Park (the first in the UK) for fieldwork, survey techniques, and learning about the marine side of things! 🛥️ The marine station also has aquarium labs and specialist facilities to support research and the HSE professional diving course which you can undertake as a part of your degree.

Having the ocean so close (just a 15 minute walk away) is so great for student life as there are so many watersport societies (like sea swimming or SUP) to join, as well as being able to go for a rockpool or quick dip after lectures (a highlight of my day!) 🐳 Other beaches and surf spots are just a short drive or train/bus ride away too for even more ocean-related fun if you love being by the water.

There are also a range of specialist courses apart from the standard degree, where you can choose to opt for a focus on oceanography or coastal ecology, for example. I'd recommend exploring all these options as modules can vary depending on your interests and so does field work (for example some courses go to South Africa, whilst others might head North to Scandinavia). 🌍️

If you haven't already visited for an open day, I would highly recommend it as you can check out the marine station with the free shuttle bus, speak to current students, chat with staff and get questions answered, as well as listen to specific talks and join tours of the campus and city. It'll definitely give you a great idea of the university's offerings and atmosphere, too. Offer holder days will also be advertised in the new year which give even more of a chance to get hands-on with your course area and go more in-depth into its offerings and practical sessions and workshops, so definitely don't miss a chance to attend if you can!

If you have any more questions, feel free to let me know below! 😁

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

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