Course Summary

In this hands-on degree, one of the best in the UK and with an international reputation, you’ll tackle big questions, such as why are coral reefs so diverse, how do we best manage and conserve marine life, and how will climate change impact biodiversity? Fieldwork will be a key component of your studies, using the excellent marine and coastal habitats on Plymouth’s doorstep, as well as on residential courses in France and South Africa. Working in partnership with our teaching staff – all of whom are leading international researchers – you’ll develop industry-relevant skills using some of Europe’s best marine facilities. The opportunity to take a six or 12-month international placement in your third year will also further enhance your workplace-related experience. With its combination of pure and applied aspects, this degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle major environmental challenges. * Add an exciting extra dimension to your marine studies by examining marine organisms and ecosystems in a truly global context. If you are interested in how marine and coastal habitats work, why they are so diverse and how best to conserve them, this is the course for you. * Access the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and, from 2014/15, our new Marine Station. * Benefit from our reputation as an international centre for marine and environmental research. Our expert teaching staff are active researchers and enthusiastic specialists in their fields – one of the many reasons why 84 per cent of our graduates said our staff made the subject interesting. * 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. * Deepen your experience through practical field and laboratory work, linked to lectures – something regularly praised by our external examiners. Our specialist facilities include advanced molecular and behavioural laboratories, a seawater aquarium, environmentally controlled labs and a new bespoke marine station opening in 2014/15. * Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with two residential field courses abroad (France and South Africa – one of the most biodiverse places on earth), giving you the chance to study organisms and ecosystems not found in the UK. * Develop a wide range of skills that will prepare you for your chosen career and make you attractive to employers – learn how to ask and answer research questions, and how to apply this skill to conservation challenges in the real world. There is also the opportunity to gain the HSE PRO SCUBA qualification, for those with a suitable background in diving. * Immerse yourself in Plymouth’s marine research culture. Alongside the University the city is home to several other world-leading establishments, one of the largest concentrations of marine science study in Europe. Take opportunities to gain extra experience working in one of the marine organisations located in Plymouth, alongside your studies. * Take the opportunity to contribute to the latest research and advances in the field – many of our students have their research projects published in leading international peer-reviewed journals. * Choose from a wide range of subjects that most interest you and are best suited to your intended career path, building your own specialisms and skills.

Course Details - Modules

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to marine biology, ecology and key biological themes, with topics from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and animal behaviour. Via lectures, small group tutorials, lab and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll benefit from hands-on experience on the Devon coastline, and an overseas residential field course, exposing you to different marine organisms and developing your scientific skills. In your second year, you’ll sharpen your practical skills on the South Devon coastline, just minutes away. We’ll introduce you to methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, understanding ecological theories, applying these to shallow water marine habitats, and getting to grips with the major threats faced by aquatic habitats worldwide. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what shapes marine and coastal biodiversity through a residential field course, currently held in South Africa. Your final year of study allows you to focus on your chosen areas of interest, building your own specialisms and skills. 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, whilst studying at the cutting edge of the field. 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: C160

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 4

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

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

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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