Course summary

To us at Cornwall College Newquay, there’s nothing more exciting or enigmatic than our oceans. With so much still undiscovered, our marine habitats are the last of the wild frontiers left to explore. And with human impact on our underwater world at an all-time high, now is the crucial time to better understand and protect it. Our oceans need people who feel a shared desire to get involved with the big issues that we’re facing. To use science to challenge the status quo. To promote progressive change in the people around them through education and positive action. For over 20 years, Cornwall College Newquay has inspired thousands of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide. Our inspirational location has its part to play in our student’s success of course. There’s no better place to study marine life and conservation than in Cornwall, a county intricately linked to the seas around it. Where else will you find such a wide range of aquatic habitats within walking distance of where you study? There’s wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries. You’ll be living with a Marine Conservation Zone in your back yard. Not to mention, the even wider variety of habitats accessible to you just a short drive away. This unique location has cultivated a vibrant conservation community to match the surroundings, and your passion for the sea will be in good company. Students can take their pick of what to get involved in, benefiting from our strong ties with likeminded groups, charities and businesses such as Blue Reef Aquarium, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, Newquay Marine Group, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and many more. It’s these collaborations that give our students an edge. Embedding industry-focused, ground-roots conservation work experience into your programme of study is what makes us tick. With our focus on the applied nature of foundation degrees; employability and real-world relevance is at the heart of everything we do. Think of it as a considerable emphasis on building practical skills and survey experience, underpinned by a strong academic and scientific core. In short, ours is a marine-focused degree experience unlike any other in the UK. The urgent need for passionate scientists who can speak for the ocean and its inhabitants has never been more vital than right now.