• Question: I read that you work with dolphins so i thought you would be able to answer this. What qualifications do i need to become a marine biologist? I really want to become one and i have heard that you need a phd and a masters degree in marine biology, is this true? Also my tutor told me that if i do these qualifications and go to university, I wont be able to start earning proper amoumts of money until i am about 27??? thanks x

    Asked by beckybee88 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 17 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by ninamartin230799.
    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 17 Jun 2012:

      I have looked this up for you and found a good webpage, I have copied and pasted this section and the webpage link is here if you want further information. For any courses if you are going to go straight through from GCSE to PhD non stop you will be about 27 before you start to earn a good wage, though sometimes you can earn good money while you study. Good luck!

      http://www.marinebiology.co.uk/marine-biology-education-in-the-uk/advice-and-info-for-gsce-level-students
      Students need to take at least 2 of the three ‘mainstream’ GCSE science subjects, one which should really be biology. Other subjects like computer studies would be useful, and remember to work hard in maths, as most colleges and Universities require a decent standard to admit students.

      Most Universities offering Marine Biology degrees are looking for at least 2 Science A’ Levels with good grades, though it must be noticed that this subject is of increasing popularity and entry requirements may change. If you thinking of marine biology in particular – A’ Level Biology is quite important

    • Photo: Valeria Senigaglia

      Valeria Senigaglia answered on 18 Jun 2012:

      I don’t want to put you down, I enjoy being a marine biologist but is a job you do for passion more than for money. However it also depends on what you want to specialize in.
      If you want to study dolphin behaviour just accept that you will never be rich and you will start earning money way after 27…you need a PhD a post-doc and a university fellowship. Although you can work as a MMO (marine mammals observer) for oil companies and that usually gives you some good salary, but you don’t need to be a marine biologist for it.

      If you want to work in the fishing industry as in defining catch limits and so on, than you have higher chances to earn money and you don’t necessarily need a PhD. although a PhD is useful, many of my Master’s classmates are now working for oceanographic institutes or JNCC or other NGOs.

      These are a couple of good sites to look at
      http://marinebio.org/marinebio/careers/
      http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/education/science/mmcareers1.php
      http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=84

      Marine biology requires some time is true but it can also be very fun along the way. If you like to dive you may want to become a dive master and then work as a coral reef protectors. You may decide after your BSc that you want to film and photograph marine creatures instead of doing pure research. Possibilities are endless but again you need a good starting passion because is not easy to find job, trust me, is personal experience.
      My suggestion is start early to volunteer, go to naturalist cruise during summer, sign up emailing list that will keep you up to date with the latest discoveries and volunteer and job offers (for marine mammals the best one is called MARMAN). Also go to conference, find out what really interest you about marine biology and find the expert in that field, later on you may want to contact those experts and ask them directly, don’t be afraid of asking!!!
      As for highschool subjects, I attended highschool in Italy and the system is a bit different. You surely need biology and mathematic (don’t underestimate math, is unfortunately, essential). However my highschool had these subjects but was more focused on greek literature but I still am a marine biologist 🙂
      Good luck and feel free to contact me again if you need more informations.

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