Skip navigation
Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth - UCAS

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

Course summary

Expand your knowledge of the oceans with the BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year. During this new four-year degree route you will explore the diverse range of open ocean, coastal, hydrographic and conservation specialisations this course offers. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level or if you have been out of formal education for some time, this course is for you.

  • Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Study the physical, biological, chemical and mathematical principles that underpin the marine sciences.
  • Build your confidence as an independent learner as you develop research, analytical and scientific reporting skills throughout the year.
  • Learn about current issues in marine sciences from research active staff who are passionate about their subjects.
  • Study under the guidance of a personal academic tutor from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences.
  • Subject to successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0), choose from progression routes that will help you gain a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science with options to develop specialist skills in marine conservation, oceanography or hydrography.
  • Experience the university life right from the start, being taught by staff who teach on the degree courses.
  • Practical sessions are held in our well-appointed laboratories.
  • Excellent mathematics support via SUM: UP drop-in centre.
  • The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

Modules

During the foundation year, we introduce the fundamental physical, chemical, biological and mathematical concepts needed for further study in the marine sciences and provide a flavour of current research topics in the ocean sciences. 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 and up to date information can be found on our website.

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

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 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

Must have GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With 5.5 in all elements.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
74%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
94%
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.
Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth - UCAS