What is more exciting or enigmatic than the life in our oceans? We still know so little about this alien world which makes up 98% of the living space on our planet, but with technology developing at such a pace more and more discoveries are being made.
It is an exciting time to be involved in any aspect of marine science; a crucial one too, as our impact on the world’s oceans has never been greater.
This honours degree can be studied as a three year programme, or as a final year (level 6) where you will complete Year 3 only. It has been designed to develop your interest and hone your professional skills to equip you for work in a growing industry. Situated on the beautiful coast of North Cornwall we are perfectly located for fieldwork and we have a strong practical element running through the programme. You will get hands-on experience in using sampling and survey equipment, as well as planning and undertaking marine surveys: from plankton trawls, to underwater video mapping and offshore marine life surveys.
During your studies you will develop your understanding of marine animals; working from cellular processes up to whole organism and ecosystem levels. In Year 1 you will receive a firm grounding in aquatic ecology, marine and biological science as well as developing practical survey skills before moving on to more specialised modules, such as fish ecology and marine vertebrate biology and conservation in your second year. In your final year you will choose from options such as GIS and marine environmental management, monitoring marine ecosystems and marine pollution and ecotoxicology as well as undertaking your own research for your honours project.
Employers expect graduates to be skilled communicators and you will find that coursework takes a variety of formats from scientific reports and posters, to presentations and discussions. In addition most modules have test or exam elements.
Possible careers available with this qualification:
Marine Biologist with an Environmental Organisation
Marine Officer with an Environmental Charity
Marine Science Officer in Expedition Organisation
University Researcher
Marine Technician
Fisheries Officer
Marine Planning Officer
Marine Consultant
Education Officer or Teacher
Marine Biologist with an Environmental Organisation
Marine Officer with an Environmental Charity
Marine Science Officer in Expedition Organisation
University Researcher
Marine Technician
Fisheries Officer
Marine Planning Officer
Marine Consultant
Education Officer or Teacher
Course Details - Modules
Indicative Modules Year 1: - Marine Science (20 credits) - Marine Survey Techniques (20 credits) - Diversity, Classification & Evolution (20 credits) - Ecology of Aquatic Systems (20 credits) - Key Professional Skills (20 credits) - Fundamentals of Biology (20 credits). Indicative Modules Year 2: - Marine Vertebrate Biology & Conservation (20 credits) - Fish Ecology (20 credits) - Marine Invertebrates (20 credits) - Research Methods & GIS for Zoology (20 credits) - Marine Conservation in Practice (20 credits). Year 2 Optional Modules: - Global Conservation Issues (20 credits) - Population Genetics & Community Ecology (20 credits). Indicative Modules Year 3: - Monitoring Marine Ecosystems (20 credits) - GIS & Marine Environmental Management (20 credits) - Honours Project (40 credits). Year 3 Optional Modules: - Applications of Zoology (20 credits) - Conservation Project Management (20 credits) - Marine Pollution & Ecotoxicology (20 credits) - Conservation Genetics (20 credits) - Communicating Zoology (20 credits).
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:
0B4X
Institution code:
C78
Campus Name:
Cornwall College Newquay
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
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
80 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 56 points must be at A2-level)
45 credits at level 3 in an appropriate subject.
Mature applicants with relevant experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered individually and are encouraged to apply.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
