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Marine Biology and Oceanography at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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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.

Open days

25Apr
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate
20Jun
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Explore ocean and deep-sea marine life alongside the physical and chemical processes that shape marine ecosystems. With direct access to the biodiverse South Devon coast, this course provides hands-on experience through practical field and lab work. Learn from the best We're at the forefront of knowledge on how marine organisms are composed, function, evolve, and interact with the physical and chemical processes that shape the ocean. Hands-on experience Deepen your experience with hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques in the laboratories and onboard the University’s research vessels within Plymouth Sound, a Special Area for Conservation. Facing global challenges At the crossroads of marine biology and oceanography, our graduates emerge ready to address global challenges—from climate change to biodiversity loss—with the insight and innovation the ocean demands. This course is for you if...

  • you're passionate about uncovering how life in the sea responds to a dynamic and changing ocean
  • you seek hands-in experience in using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques
  • you are passionate about understanding marine life and ocean processes—and finding solutions to the challenges facing our oceans
  • you want to develop the practical, intellectual, and scientific skills to become a practising marine biologist.

Modules

Year 1 In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key biological and oceanographic themes, with topics ranging from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and microbiology. Through a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, laboratory and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll also benefit from intensive field courses, introducing you to the processes of scientific investigation, data collection and analysis. Year 2 In your second year, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the biology and ecology of marine organisms and chemical and biological oceanography. You will receive hands-on, practical training in marine survey, underwater sampling, and species identification, skills that will be honed during the field course, currently in Sweden, where you will undertake field research in deep water from an ocean-going research vessel. 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 Your final year of study provides the opportunity for you to focus on your chosen areas of interest. You’ll conduct an extensive personal research project, applying the skills and methods you've learnt. You’ll also choose from a range of modules driven by the research interests of our staff, again giving you the opportunity to specialise and tailor your work towards your career goals, while studying at the cutting edge of marine biology and oceanography. 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

14Jan

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

Maths and English GCSE at a Grade C/4

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
80%
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.
Marine Biology and Oceanography at University of Plymouth - UCAS