Course summary

In this hands-on degree you’ll explore the organisms living in marine environments from the coastal margins to the deep sea. Teaching takes advantage of the stunning coastline on the doorstep of the University as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities, so you won’t just experience marine biology but also practise it at the highest levels, both in the laboratory and field. You'll study the biology of organisms ranging from coral reef microbes and marine algae at the base of marine ecosystems to the diverse invertebrates, abundant fishes and largest mammals that roam the ocean. You’ll apply this knowledge to understand how marine life is impacted by factors such as climate change and pollution. This degree not only teaches you about the subject, it also equips you with the practical, intellectual and scientific skills to be a practising marine biologist.

• Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

• Explore the full diversity of marine life, from microscopic plankton to iconic marine mammals. Study marine organisms from every angle including how they work, develop and behave and where they are found, how they have evolved and what the future holds for them.

• Study marine life in the wild with access to the beautiful and varied Devon and Cornwall coastline. A recent World Wildlife Fund report highlighted the South Devon coast – which can be reached on foot from campus – as the area of highest marine biodiversity in the UK.

• Benefit from a strong emphasis on the biology of marine organisms, experimental design, practical and field skills in the lab and at sea.

• Choose optional modules which interest you, such as Scientific Diving which allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques.

• Access the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and our Marine Station.

• LABplus Resource Centre is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.

• Benefit from our reputation as an international centre for marine research. Our expert teaching staff collaborate on many varied research projects – one of the many reasons why 100 per cent of our graduates said that our staff made the subject interesting (source: UNISTATS).

• Opportunities to gain extra experience working in one of the marine research organisations located in Plymouth, alongside your studies. The University enjoys strong links with the internationally renowned marine research establishments based in the city, including the Diving Diseases Research Centre, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Marine Biological Association of the UK and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science.

• Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with two residential field courses abroad (France and Portugal) that give you the chance to study marine organisms not found in UK waters.

• Take the opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills in an optional placement in your third year.

• Widen your knowledge in an area of interest with a major personal research project conducted in your final year.

• Develop a wide range of skills that will prepare you for your chosen career and make you attractive to employers – learn how to ask and answer research questions, and learn how marine biology research gets funded in the UK in a unique role play event. There is also the opportunity to gain the HSE Professional SCUBA commercial diver qualification, for those with a suitable background in diving.