Course summary
Are you driven to understand how ocean currents drive climate change and marine ecosystem response throughout the world’s oceans? Gain practical skills and knowledge in ocean dynamics for careers in oceanography, coastal management, or 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're passionate about understanding the physical processes that govern our oceans
- you enjoy hands-on learning in both laboratory and field settings
- you're eager to develop skills in data collection and analysis using advanced oceanographic instruments
- you aspire to contribute to effective management and conservation strategies for marine environments.
Modules
Year 1 From week one, you will be exposed to data collection from our fleet of research vessels and introduced to the fundamental principles of marine science. 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. You’ll build practical skills whilst learning how to collect, analyse, and present scientific data using state-of-the-art instruments, typically collected during field-based activities. Year 2 In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of the core aspects of physical, chemical and biological oceanography as well as beginning to focus on the physical processes that shape the open ocean and coastal environments. You’ll receive advanced training in every aspect of instrument handling and deployment at sea, benefitting from the input of industry partners to ensure relevance to the job market. As part of your independent skills progression, you will develop a proposal for your final year research project. You’ll also be able to broaden your interests into areas such as meteorology, remote sensing and scientific diving. Optional placement year During your optional third year, you’ll have the opportunity to do a work placement, for a six or 12-month period. As well as providing valuable hands-on experience outside of the classroom, a placement can prove to be a great networking opportunity and provide a deeper, working level understanding of the career paths that are available following your degree. Final year During your final year, you’ll complete your core training in advanced aspects of ocean dynamics and coastal processes and participate in a residential field trip where you’ll apply first-hand the practical skills developed during previous years. A large proportion of your time will be spent completing your individual research project for which you will be given guidance by a member of academic staff. You’ll also be able to pursue an option module, for example to explore the use of Big Data in solving current challenges in the marine system, climate science or marine pollution. 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
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
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 128 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM - DDM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 - 30 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4, H4 - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
T Level - M
Must have Grade C / 4 at GCSE Maths and English
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Student Outcomes
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
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
