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Ocean Science and Marine Conservation at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

If the course start date is before 31 December 2025 and you have already submitted an application, this course can be added. If you have not submitted an application, contact the university or college direct.

If the course start date is between 01 January and 31 July 2026 click the 'Apply' button to make an application.

University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

25Apr
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate
20Jun
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Explore the ocean’s inner workings and how to protect its life and ecosystems. This course blends ocean science, ecology, and marine policy to prepare you for a career in conservation, sustainability, and marine research. Learn in Britain's Ocean City You'll be using our advanced equipment and research vessels at our landmark Marine Station for practical data collection, gaining sought-after experience in Plymouth's coastal environment. Fieldwork from week one Participate in field trips to coastal and offshore locations, gain hands-on experience in real-world environments and apply your skills to study marine and oceanographic processes. Focus on global challenges Work on projects addressing climate change, ocean health, and sustainable marine management, playing your part in making a difference to our marine world. This course is for you if...

  • you have a deep appreciation for marine life and ecosystems, with a desire to protect vulnerable habitats.
  • you're curious to explore how ocean systems work and how human activity affects them.
  • you're excited to study aboard our fleet of research vessels, using industry-standard oceanographic and surveying equipment.
  • you aspire to drive real-world change and thrive in an impactful career.

Modules

Year 1 Your first year, shared across the marine science undergraduate scheme, introduces the full range of topics within the degree and develops your underpinning scientific knowledge and practical skills. You’ll develop your understanding of the Earth’s oceans and the key physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in these systems. You’ll build practical skills and enhance your ability to analyse, present and interpret scientific data through field-based activities. Year 2 Your second year introduces specialist marine conservation concepts and continues to build knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in ocean science. The core marine conservation modules develop an understanding of the range of impacts human activities have on marine ecosystems. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your interests through a choice of option modules covering areas such as coastal oceanography, scientific diving and more advanced hydrographic survey and mapping methods. Optional placement year Gain relevant industrial or workplace experience with the ocean science placement. Final year During your final year you’ll develop your scientific skills with the opportunity to participate in a residential field course. A large part of your final year will be spent on an independent research project with guidance from an academic advisor. Taught modules will complete your advanced understanding of marine ecosystem conservation and marine conservation policy and management. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your specific interests, for example in marine pollution or biological oceanography, through an option module. For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Assessment method

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 4

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated Student Immigration Advice (SIA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letter will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Must have Grade C / 4 at GCSE Maths and English

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With 5.5 in all elements.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Ocean Science and Marine Conservation at University of Plymouth - UCAS