Marine biology is a field of study that specializes in the study of marine organisms and marine environments. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including ecology, zoology, oceanography, and conservation. Marine biologists study marine biodiversity, exploring various aspects of marine life and their behavior, habitats, and ecological roles. They can also study marine ecosystems, exploring the physical and chemical properties of these environments, the impact of climate change on them, and methods to conserve and manage them.
Europe is home to several excellent universities that offer training and research programs in the fields related to marine biology. These universities provide students with thorough training in theoretical and practical components of the subject, access to the latest facilities and infrastructure, and exciting research opportunities.
Top Marine Biology Schools in Europe
1. ETH Zurich
Founded in 1855 under the name Polytechnikum, ETH Zurich has enjoyed an outstanding reputation for excellence in research and education right from the outset. There are many notable academicians, leaders, and executives associated with the university, including 22 Nobel Prize winners.
Although the university doesn’t offer a dedicated marine biology program, it is renowned for related programs in environment and earth sciences. Ranked the best university for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS world university ranking, the university facilitates cutting-edge research to address some of the greatest challenges the world faces today. These programs are offered through the Department of Earth Sciences and the Department of Environmental Systems Science.
The Department of Earth Sciences offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in Earth and Climate Sciences, while the Department of Environmental Systems Science offers these degree programs in Environmental Science. The undergraduate programs include theory and fieldwork. The first two years focus on the fundamentals, and the students specialize in a major of their choosing in the third year. The Master’s program deepens the knowledge and understanding further as students choose one of the specializations on offer.
2. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world and has many notable alumni including several world leaders, Olympic athletes, and Nobel Prize winners.
While the university does not offer a dedicated marine biology program, interested students studying Earth Sciences can specialize in the field. The university’s Department of Earth Sciences is an interdisciplinary applied science department offering undergraduate and doctoral programs. Taught degrees are a blend of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and field courses, making it one of the best marine biology programs in the world. The first two years of the undergraduate program are the same for all students, providing a sound foundation in the subject. After two years, students complete an independent field project and start training in their respective specializations.
The department does not offer a taught Master’s program, instead, graduate students study for a four-year DPhil program. Students can either join existing research projects or devise their own in consultation with their supervisor. The department has several research groups, many of which are concerned with marine science and oceanography.
3. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is another old and prestigious university, often a friendly rival of Oxford for the spot of the UK’s best university. Like Oxford, Cambridge has many impressive staff and alumni, including world leaders, top artists and athletes, and Nobel Prize winners.
Like many other universities in this field, Cambridge’s degree offering does not include a whole program dedicated to marine biology. However, the university offers excellent programs in its Earth Science and Geography Department and its Zoology Department that cover these subjects. These departments offer undergraduate, Master’s, M.Phil, and Ph.D. degree programs. While the programs in Earth Sciences are related to oceanography and marine systems, the program in Zoology focuses on marine life and ecosystems.
Students can benefit from their involvement in research groups such as the Marine Behavioural Ecology Group, and research centers such as Cambridge Coastal Research Unit and the University of Cambridge Conservation Research Institute, which are engaged in interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research in the field.
4. Imperial College London
Another leading European university on our list that offers programs in marine biology is the Imperial College London. The institution’s history can be traced back to 1907 when three renowned colleges were combined to form the university. Home to 17,000 students in the fast-paced world capital of London, its alumni, and staff include many notable members of society, including Nobel laureates.
While Imperial College London currently has no program exclusively for marine biology, there are marine and ocean science elements in other reputed undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. These programs are offered by the Departments of Biological Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Earth Science and Engineering.
This cross-disciplinary emphasis on the marine sciences is realized in the form of The Marine and Coastal Environments (MACE) network, one of the university’s networks of excellence. Recognizing the importance of understanding the ocean and its phenomena to manage marine and coastal environments, this network brings together the many scientists at the university working on marine systems to help build on each other’s knowledge and resources.
5. University College London
University College London, one of the UK’s leading universities, was established in 1826 in the heart of London. With consistently high global rankings, a track record for academic and research excellence, and housing about 50,000 students from more than 150 countries, UCL is a sought-after university destination.
Instead of a separate marine biology program, students have the option to elect components of marine science and oceanography in related programs. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs from the departments of Geography, Earth Sciences, and Engineering provide students and researchers the opportunity to work in the exciting field of marine biology. In addition to this, staff from departments of mathematics and statistics are also engaged in oceanography research. Graduate and doctoral students at the university are engaged in research areas such as marine engineering, marine ecosystem management, paleoceanography, and physical oceanography.
FAQS About Studying Marine Biology
Is Pursuing a Degree in Marine Biology Worth It?
A degree in marine biology can be very rewarding for those who are fascinated by ocean life and marine ecosystems. It offers the chance to explore marine life, participate in exciting fieldwork, contribute to global challenges, and work towards important conservation efforts.
The area of study is all the more relevant today considering the rising concerns about the impact of pollution and climate change on our oceans. Graduates can continue to work in academia, private research institutions, government bodies, environment, and conservation organizations or aquariums.
In conclusion, Europe is home to several excellent universities that offer programs in biological science, environmental science, and engineering to launch you into a career in marine biology. These programs can open doors to exciting career opportunities in academia, research, environmental management, and marine conservation. You can also read our article about the Best Countries to Study Marine Biology to learn more about this subject!
We hope you liked the article about the Best Marine Schools in Europe. Feel free to also check out the Available Programs for International Students in Europe if you’re interested in studying in Europe!
