Marine biologist
Study ocean animals, plants and ecosystems to increase our knowledge and understanding of biology and the environment.
Also known as: microbiologist, marine mammalogist, marine ecologist, ichthyologist, fishery biologist, biological technician
About the job
A day in the life – Marine biologist
What it's like
You'll study ocean animals, plants and ecosystems to increase our knowledge and understanding of the environment, genetics, and animal or plant biology.
It's a wide and varied area to work in. You could choose to study fish, mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates that rely on the ocean to survive. Or you could focus on the ocean’s plants, algae, fungi or coral. You'll develop strategies to protect marine biodiversity.
Sometimes, marine biologists work in renewable energy. For example, you might study the ocean nearby an offshore wind project to make sure it minimises its ecological risk.
Your tasks might include:
working on research projects to observe and better understand ocean animals, plants and ecosystems
protecting and conserving sealife
developing and managing marine resources
supporting the conservation and sustainable management of fish stocks or the marine environment
writing up and publishing the findings from your research
presenting your findings at conferences or teaching at a university
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- fishery biology
- fisheries management
- hydropower
- environmentalism
- ecology
- environmental resource management
- renewable energy
- stakeholder engagement
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- innovative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Human Biology
Maths (Mathematics)
Science in the Environment
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Entry to this job is highly competitive. Many marine biologists have postgraduate qualifications (SCQF level 11) or a doctoral degree (SCQF Level 12) in a relevant subject such as marine biology.
You would need a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in a subject such as:
marine biology
biological science
conservation
ecology
environmental sciences
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF Level 6) some universities may require you to gain qualifications in one sitting.
With Advanced Highers (SCQF Level 7) or a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8), you may be able to enter the second or third year of some degrees.
Some universities offer an integrated Master's (SCQF Level 11) which combines a degree and masters qualification over five years. Entry is the same as degree courses.
Paid or voluntary work experience in a related field is useful.
Some jobs will require that you are a trained diver. You'd need to pass strict medical tests before doing any diving training, and to pass regular medicals once qualified.
Things you should know
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