In this hands-on degree, one of the best in the UK and with an international reputation, you’ll explore the diversity of marine life from coastal margins to the deep sea and gain an in-depth understanding of the biology of marine organisms. Teaching takes advantage of the South Devon coast as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities - so you’ll have the opportunity to not just experience marine biology but to practice it at the highest levels in both the laboratory and out in the field.
You will lay strong foundations for a successful career using our extensive industry links to secure a paid, one-year work placement. You’ll gain the confidence, real-world know-how and vital industry experience that employers are looking for. You’ll become adept at working with the very latest industry-standard software, in our high specification laboratories. Both will help you develop a strong understanding of fundamental principles, whilst honing your skills at the same time.
* In the 2016 National Student Survey, 89 per cent of students felt staff on this course were good at explaining things; 91 per cent felt that the staff made the subject interesting; 89 per cent found the course intellectually stimulating and 86 per cent were satisfied with the course overall.
* 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.
* Access the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and, from 2014/15, our new Marine Station.
* LABplus 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 91 per cent of our graduates said that our staff made the subject interesting.
* 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.
Course Details - Modules
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 a residential field course abroad, introducing you to the processes of scientific investigation, data collection and analysis.
In your second year, you’ll sharpen your practical skills in the setting of the South Devon coastline, just minutes away. We’ll introduce you to methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well engaging with the biology of marine organisms and the ecology of shallow water marine habitats. Depending on your choice of modules, you can receive training in underwater sampling and all students will explore experimental methods during a field course that currently takes place in Portugal.
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 learned. You’ll also choose from a range of modules that are 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.
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.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January 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
Course code:
C161
Institution code:
P60
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
120-144 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A-levels including Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects. Qualifying relevant science subjects are: Applied Science, Applied Marine Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. General Studies is excluded.
From a minimum of 3 A-levels including Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects. Qualifying relevant science subjects are: Applied Science, Applied Marine Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. General Studies is excluded.
Considered in combination with Advanced Highers.
Considered in combination
Science related Access Diplomas are considered, however, suitable applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview.
After successful interview a typical offer would be:
Pass Access to HE Science Diploma with 60 credits overall, to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Must include a minimum 15 credits in Biology units, plus 15 credits at Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology or Psychology.
128 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers including Advanced Higher Grade B in Biology and Grade B in 1 further Science subject Qualifying Science subjects are: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. National 5 are accepted as GCSE equivalent for Maths and English.
Considered in combination
A relevant Extended Project will be considered towards the required Tariff points.
Considered in combination
To include Higher Level Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects.Qualifying relevant Science subjects are: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. English and Maths are accepted within as GCSE equivalent at Higher Level Grade 4 or Standard Level Grade 5.
Depending on the BTEC and units studied. Please include details of units in your UCAS application or contact Admissions for further advice.
to include Biology and preferably further relevant Science subject. Qualifying Science subjects are: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. English and Maths are accepted as GCSE equivalent at H1-H7 or O1-O4.
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Maths and English GCSE at a Grade C/4
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
74%
Go onto work and study:
89%
Fees and funding
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.
Provider information
Drake Circus
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
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