Applied Aquatic Biology MSc

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.

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

Careers and opportunitiesCareers 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.

MSc Award
September Start
Full-time, Part-time Study Mode
1 - 2 years Duration

Entry Requirements For This Course

An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

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Upcoming Open Days at University of Portsmouth

19
FEB

Postgraduate Open Day

19 Feb 2025, 08:30 AM - 19 Feb 2025, 15:00 PM University of Portsmouth
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07
MAY

Postgraduate Open Day

07 May 2025, 09:00 AM - 07 May 2025, 15:00 PM University of Portsmouth
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02
JUL

Postgraduate Open Day

02 Jul 2025, 09:00 AM - 02 Jul 2025, 15:00 PM University of Portsmouth
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Come to our next event to talk to our course and research representatives, expert support teams and current students.

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