Skip navigation
Search
Search
Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2023 - 20242024 - 20252025 - 2026
Apply

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

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

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Chat with students at this uni

Chat with students, ask questions and share experiences
Chat with students

Find your student digs

The buzz of campus halls, student housing in town, or your own private living space? Discover which accommodation is right for you.
View accommodation

Open days

19Jun
University of Plymouth - open day event
Undergraduate

Course summary

Do you have a passion to study marine biology, but lack the normal entry requirements for one of our honours degrees? Perhaps you've shown evidence of good academic potential, but don’t have sufficient qualifications or have been out of formal education for a while. This new four year degree route incorporates a foundation year, which has developed from our extended science course giving you the study skills and scientific underpinning to continue the remainder of the course with confidence.

  • Apply through UCAS and receive funding in the same way as an honours degree course.
  • Study two core biology modules, one in each semester.
  • Study either chemistry or physics in each semester.
  • Take a core module in study and mathematical skills for life sciences to prepare you to get the most from your university studies.
  • Receive support from a personal academic tutor who's one of our marine biology subject staff.
  • Meet a wide range of marine biology staff in lectures and discussion sessions, gaining an introduction to their research and ‘hot topics’ in marine biology with our specialist issues in marine biology module.
  • Subject to achieving an average mark of 60 per cent across 120 credits in the foundation year, you will continue your studies in one of the related degrees - marine biology, marine biology and oceanography or marine biology and coastal ecology.
  • We'll guide you to the most appropriate route to meet your interests through the tutorials and discussion sessions to decide your next step.
  • In Year Zero, you will be taught at the University by the same academic team as our normal degree courses and will gain the understanding and confidence needed for your future studies.

Modules

You will be taught at the University by the same academic team as our normal degree courses and will gain the understanding and confidence needed for your future studies. Core modules:

  • Biology 1 and 2
  • Chemistry 1
  • Study and Mathematical Skills for Science
  • Issues in Marine Biology
Optional modules:
  • Chemistry 2
  • Mathematics and Statistics for Science
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Assessment method

39% of assessment is by exam, 54% by coursework and 7% practical assessment

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

25Jan

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:

  • Foundation

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) 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-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters 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 minimum £2,000 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

Maths and English GCSE at Grade C/4. This course is predominantly designed for applicants who have already achieved their qualifications

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
55%
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

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.
Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth - UCAS