Marine Biology BSc (Hons)

Biology at Heriot-Watt University addresses issues of key importance in the modern world with emphasis placed on the applied aspects of each area, so that knowledge gained may be used to benefit society. <br/><br/>Our biology graduates have a strong record of employment in fields ranging from marine biology to pharmaceuticals, medical, water, the food industry and public sector organisations.<br/><br/>Studying biology at Heriot-Watt provides a thorough grounding in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, marine and environmental biology, toxicology and biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of each discipline, so that knowledge may be used for the benefit of society.<br/><br/>The suite of biology degrees sits within the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. We offer seven degrees within the biology subject area, each allowing students to gain a firm foundation before specialising into their preferred field. Each degree comprises one or more key compulsory courses with a choice of optional courses that allows it to be fashioned to an individual student’s interests, within the constraints of the programme of study. <br/><br/>The newest addition to the suite of degrees is our Sports and Exercise Science BSc (Hons). The Sports degrees open to applications for September 2022 entry. These degrees comprise a core of sport and exercise science with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and well-being, such as biology, nutrition, physiology, and psychology.<br/><br/>Our biology degrees (with the exception of the Sports degrees) share courses at Level 1 while in later levels they comprise a mixture of compulsory and optional courses that reflect the specialist subject. Transfer between degrees is flexible during Levels 1 and 2, and possible in some cases during Levels 3 and 4.

Heriot-Watt is ranked 256th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025). They have been producing future-ready graduates for over 200 years and are placed 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024).<br/><br/>The university’s Edinburgh campus is situated on 380 acres of parkland, located just outside of the city centre, with great travel links to the rest of Scotland and the UK. Plus, you’ll get a £1,500 no-strings-attached bursary that you can spend on travelling home or whatever you like.<br/><br/>Register today for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team.