About Marine & Freshwater Biology - Bsc (hons) in Edinburgh Napier University

Explore the aquatic environment, its importance in understanding climate change, and how to monitor and protect marine and freshwater species in a sustainable manner.

The aquatic realm makes up more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and represents the largest domain on earth. This course focuses on the study of the fascinating diversity of life contained in these habitats.

You’ll come to appreciate the issues involved in management of aquatic resources and learn how a firm understanding of the organisation of aquatic ecosystems can promote use in a sustainable manner.

Aquatic habitats and organisms are also pivotal in the understanding of climatic change making this course very relevant to a career in conservation and environmental protection.

Course details

Are you interested in global issues? Are you interested in the marine or freshwater environment? If it’s aquatic biology including coral reefs and sea birds that takes your fancy or indeed conservation and the impact of pollution on the aquatic environment, this is certainly a course worth joining.

You’ll study the adaptation, ecology and behaviour of a range of species found in marine, coastal and freshwater environments. You’ll learn about the non-living environment, including climate, weather, water and sediment properties and pollution. You’ll also learn about aspects of management, including pollution assessment and control and fisheries science.

Scotland is home to some fascinating aquatic environments and you’ll get to experience these during practical fieldwork, both locally and further afield, including a residential field course to the Isle of Cumbrae.

The course will equip you with a broad portfolio of skills in both specialist techniques such as species identification, surveying, data analysis and GIS along with communication of scientific information, IT, problem solving and team working which will allow you to pursue a range of possible career paths.

To apply for our bachelors courses, you should have completed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with overall 60% or above in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam.

If you have 60% or higher in English in the Indian HSC Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam, you may be considered for an undergraduate study without a further English test on a case-by-case basis.

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test

80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English

56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Edinburgh Napier University Highlights

Edinburgh Napier University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The table below shows the estimated cost of living in UK while attending the institute. The cost is presented annually and may vary according to the needs of individuals.

Edinburgh Napier University Application process

Application fee:

• Undergraduate: 13 GBP to 24 GBP
• Graduate: Not available

Supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• References
• English proficiency proof
• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Interview or portfolio (if required)
• Copy of passport/visa
• Copy of CAS (if applicable)

Academic requirements:

• Undergraduate: Overall of 60% in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or higher in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) or the international United Kingdom equivalent.
• Graduate: Bachelor degree or its equivalent

English Proficiency Test Scores 

For taught undergraduate and graduate programs, any one of the following test scores are required:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, other tests that are accepted by the university include TOEFL ‘At Home’ Test (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), IELTS Indicator (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), online Edinburgh Napier English Language Courses, Duolingo, and IELTS Academic tests taken more than two years but less than four years will be considered with the use of English language in work or education during that period playing a big role.

Duolingo test and its IELTS equivalent is shown below