Based in the heart of the UK's only island city, the University of Portsmouth is committed to giving every student a life-changing experience. Outstanding teaching and wide-ranging support make for a lively community where students develop skills and confidence for a rewarding career. Portsmouth is the only UK university that offers flexible sandwich placements for our undergraduates and we call these Connected Degrees. This is a 3 year course with a 4th year paid placement and courses offer the freedom to choose when you take your placement: either before or after your final year.
The opportunity is available to students joining us from September 2024 and is a new way to connect your degree to your future.
Marine Biology (BSc Hons) at University of Portsmouth
Marine Biologists are the first-line of defence for our blue planet, developing and protecting the globe’s saltwater ecosystems. Studying Marine Biology at Portsmouth, you will have active conservation projects to work on, fieldwork trips both near and abroad to participate in, and world class facilities on your doorstep.
Portsmouth’s course is ranked number 13 in the UK for Biosciences (Guardian University Guide 2022), and is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, meaning you will be equipped with all the skills and knowledge that any employer in the industry is looking for. You will learn about the diverse range of marine organisms, from phytoplankton to cetaceans, and most importantly how to protect our oceans’ delicate ecosystems against the increasing threats of climate change, habitat destruction and resource exploitation.
The course will also equip you with practical marine skills, with access to the Institute of Marine Sciences and the Solent European Marine Site, with their range of research vessels. Portsmouth also has its own aquatic centre and lab suite, and you will be taught and assessed in a range of ways from traditional lectures and exams, to posters and field-based research projects. You will also have the option to take a placement or study abroad year, and Portsmouth offers a foundation year option to widen access to the course. This course can open doors for many careers in marine biology, including: coastal zone management, environmental toxicology, marine conservation, aquaculture, marine policy, and marine resource management.
Dr Nicolai Roterman
Dr Nicolai Roterman is a marine ecologist with a research focus on the connectivity and resilience of marine populations. He uses genetic techniques to understand how marine animals have evolved and how marine populations disperse and respond to changes in the environment. Much of his work has focused on deep-sea animals, especially those found at hydrothermal vents, but his work also includes understanding – and teaching about – shallow-water habitats. As well as his focus on genetics, his interests also include marine animal morphometrics and behaviour and locally-based conservation and restoration. He has extensive experience working on ocean-going research and survey ships and has featured in the media discussing the weird and wonderful world of marine life.
Professor Alex Ford
Professor Alex Ford is a Professor of Biology who investigates how humans impact the environment. He has over 20 years experience in academia and has expertise in marine biology, parasitology and environmental toxicology. Using crustaceans primarily as study organisms, he has discovered new parasites that can change the sex and behaviour of marine life. He has determined the impacts of a wide range of pollutants on wildlife from pesticides, plastics, radiation through to compounds found in prescription and illegal drugs. He has served as an editor for several journals and an independent expert to government, industry and conservation charities.
