Marine Biologist 


What is a marine biologist?

Marine biology is the study of all saltwater-based life forms, including ocean life and also life forms in saltwater lakes, from animals and plants through to microscopic organisms. Marine biologists are scientists that specialise in studying marine life forms and ecosystems. 


Marine biology is a broad-ranging career. You could go into fieldwork, academic research, laboratory work, consulting, charity, outreach or policy making.


Within their jobs, marine biologists carry out a range of tasks and work in various environments, some of which can be quite unconventional. Some examples of common responsibilities and activities of marine biologists include:


Job titles range from:


qualifications

To become a marine biologist, you'll need to study a marine-focused degree such as:


Postgraduate degrees specialising in marine biology range from a Masters in tropical marine biology to tropical coastal management and aquatic ecology and conservation. You can also take broader biology-focused Masters but select modules, thesis, and research projects focusing on marine biology.

If you're an undergraduate who wants to keep their career options open, you may prefer to study a more general science-based undergraduate degree and then take a Masters later on, to avoid specialising too early.

Prospects 2024

Employers

Marine scientists are employed by marine research institutes, universities, international organisations, commercial companies, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.

Employers include:

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