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Ocean Science and Marine Conservation at University of Plymouth - UCAS

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

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 From your very first week, you’ll be experiencing real marine science, collecting and working with live data using our own fleet of research vessels. You’ll learn the underpinning aspects of the physics, chemistry and biology that are critical to understanding the pivotal role played by the Earth’s oceans in our modern society. Alongside this, you’ll develop hands‑on skills using cutting-edge scientific instruments, learning how to collect, analyse and communicate data with confidence. You’ll build these skills where it matters most: out in the field, turning theory into practice through real-world scientific experiences. Year 2 In your second year, you’ll be introduced to specialist marine conservation concepts while continuing to expand your knowledge across the wider field of ocean science. Core marine conservation modules explore the many ways human activities affect marine ecosystems, giving you a solid scientific grounding in the challenges facing our oceans today. You’ll also have the chance to pursue your interests through a choice of optional modules, with opportunities to study areas such as coastal oceanography, scientific diving, and more advanced hydrographic survey and mapping techniques. These modules allow you to build expertise in key areas and tailor your degree towards your future career goals. Optional placement year Many of our students choose to take an optional placement year between their second and final years, gaining invaluable hands‑on experience in real scientific environments. You can choose to complete a minimum six‑month work placement anywhere in the world, gaining practical, career‑focused experience directly linked to your studies. This is your opportunity to apply your skills in real‑world settings, explore potential career paths and build valuable professional networks that can help shape your future in the field. Final year In your final year, you’ll bring everything together! You’ll focus on advancing your understanding of marine ecosystem conservation and marine conservation policy and management. A residential fieldtrip gives you the chance apply everything you’ve learned into a real-world setting alongside peers and expert staff. You’ll also have the freedom to tailor your learning through optional modules, exploring cutting-edge areas such as marine pollution or biological oceanography. A major component of your final year is your research project. Working under the supervision of an academic specialist, you’ll apply the knowledge, techniques and scientific understanding you’ve developed throughout your degree to an independent piece of research, giving you the chance to explore a topic you’re passionate about and demonstrate your capabilities as an ocean scientist. 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

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