Course summary

This Cert HE course is designed to cater for students who have 48 or more UCAS Tariff points in any Level 3 qualification. On successful completion of the Cert HE, you will be able to progress directly into the second year of our FdSc Marine Biology programmes. The United Nations has proclaimed 2021-2030 to be the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Higher Education must now produce science graduates capable of realising the ambitious goals of this framework. These graduates must be able to grasp the global scope and timeliness of the issues at hand, to undertake the science required that will provide answers to questions as they arise, then convey these faithfully and articulately to whichever audience needs to hear them. You will be starting a journey on a marine programme like no other. To our knowledge, no other degree programme in the UK has embedded the Ocean Literacy programme promoted by UNESCO to this extent. We can find no other course that has based a module around this programme by using the seven ocean literacy principles as Assessed Learning Outcomes. You will be embarking on a programme of study which embeds science communication. In addition, other modules have learning outcomes that make the dissemination of marine scientific knowledge a core attribute. You will be based in a fantastic rural campus in the heart of Newquay, with a small, family feel. The staff are research active and bring that expertise to the class. You will be 10-30 minutes’ walk from a range of north Cornish coast habitats, a dive school with a range of dive courses on offer, a local and very active marine conservation group, a research-equipped vessel for coastal work and you will be 45 minutes’ drive from an additional range of south Cornish coast habitats. You will be four hours’ travel from the world-famous biodiversity hotspot of the Isles of Scilly. There are a number of marine protected areas on your doorstep in which to learn your subject area, including one on your doorstep – Newquay and the Gannel Marine Conservation Zone. Finally, we have strong links with local conservation and marine organisations to develop your work-related experience, which is a very strong thread through the programme.