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How to become a Marine Biologist

Marine Biologist jobs

211

Marine Biologist courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Marine Biologist

Junior Marine Biologist

| Up to £22,000

Marine Biologist

| Up to £30,000

Senior Marine Biologist

| Up to £60,000

The role of a Marine Biologist

What does a Marine Biologist do?

Think your perfect career lies at the bottom of the ocean? If you’re looking to become a Marine Biologist, it probably does…

Marine Biologists research and study the sea, observing the effects it has on plants, animals, land, and the atmosphere. Their research helps them to learn about future changes within the earth’s structure, inform government laws, and prevent harm to the environment.

They could work for government agencies, private companies, and industry organisations, and be based in sea-going vessels (when conducting fieldwork), as well as in an office or a laboratory. Other Marine Biologists work for zoos and aquariums, where they specialise in studying marine animals and their habitats.

Typical responsibilities for a Marine Biologist might include:

Planning new research and managing budgets
Designing equipment and conducting experiments
Using technical processes to collect marine samples
Using specialist software to record, compile, and study data
Analysing findings
Testing new theories and concepts
Creating presentations and publishing papers to share findings

Is a career as a Marine Biologist right for me?

Aside from a genuine interest in biology and oceanography, you’ll also need to be patient, determined, and able to use your creativity and scientific mind to effectively plan and carry out experiments.

Because the job is so varied, you’ll additionally need to be flexible with your working hours and location - whether you’re based in an office, in a lab, in an aquarium, at sea, or beyond.

Those who aren’t big fans of open water need not apply…

A Marine Biologist will also need to be:

Creative
Inquisitive
Analytical
Meticulous
Methodical
A good communicator
Logically and mathematically minded

What's it like to be a Marine Biologist?

"For me, the best part of what I do is the fieldwork. I get to be practical and get my hands dirty (literally), and each new project brings something fresh and exciting – that I then get to analyse and study. Aside from the pros of constantly learning and using my findings to support environmental protection (and further research), there are also tough parts of the job. Funding isn’t always easy to secure, and I do a lot of public speaking, which can be slightly overwhelming too – but when it’s something you’re really passionate about, it’s not so daunting. Even if the smell can be sometimes…"

Get qualified as a Marine Biologist

You’ll need a degree in a relevant subject to get started as a Marine Biologist. Similar courses or program offerings will also be beneficial. However, if you gain more advanced qualifications such as a Masters or a PhD, you’ll greatly improve your chances of being considered.

Recommended Marine Biology courses

Marine Biology Level 5 Diploma - QLS Endorsed

Academy for Health & Fitness

Level 5 QLS Endorsed Diploma! 150 CPD Points| 13 Video Lessons| Lifetime Access |Free ID Card & Assessment
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24 Hours Left! Don't Let Year-End Deals Slip Away – Enrol Now! Are you fascinated by the mysteries of Marine Biology that lie beneath the ocean's surface? Do you dream of exploring vibrant coral reefs, studying majestic marine creatures, and understanding the delicate balance of …
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Diploma in Marine Biology - CPD Certified

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11 Courses Bundle | Level 5 QLS Endorsed Certificate | 250 CPD Point | Free ID Card & Exam Included | 24/7 Tutor Support
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24 Hours Left! Don't Let Year-End Deals Slip Away – Enrol Now! In 1831, a young naturalist by the name of Charles Darwin set sail on a five-year voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, exploring the coast of South America and the Galapagos Islands. His observations and studies during that …
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