Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology BSc (Hons)
University of Plymouth
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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2 options available
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Sandwich

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Biological Sciences
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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UCAS Tariff
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AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
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City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
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OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Course info

A marine biology degree with an international reputation, you’ll explore the diversity of marine life from the coast to the deep-sea. Using a range of marine organisms from the smallest microbes to the largest marine vertebrates, youll learn how marine species and ecosystems function, consider why we see such diversity of life in our oceans, and learn how to conserve this. Youll tackle big questions like how are humans and climate change affecting marine biodiversity?Using some of the best ...Read more

A marine biology degree with an international reputation, you’ll explore the diversity of marine life from the coast to the deep-sea. Using a range of marine organisms from the smallest microbes to the largest marine vertebrates, you'll learn how marine species and ecosystems function, consider why we see such diversity of life in our oceans, and learn how to conserve this. You'll tackle big questions like how are humans and climate change affecting marine biodiversity?Using some of the best marine facilities in Europe alongside field work in the marine and coastal habitats of the South West of Britain and South Africa, and the option of becoming an HSE diver, you'll gain arguably the best practical experience of any marine biology course. By the end of your degree, your wide-range of skills and in-depth knowledge of marine biology will allow you to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges that marine systems are facing.* Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023. * 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 our 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.* 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 bespoke marine station. * Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with a residential field course in 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.* 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 be

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
70/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
41st
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
65th
Ecology and Environmental Biology
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 80 = 20% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
20%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
80%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Ecology and Environmental Biology graduate salary at this uni
£15,000
UK Ecology and Environmental Biology graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
N
Natasha
24 Nov 24

The camupus and the city is extremely run down, there are a lot of incidents of spiking in clubd, however being next to the sea is amazing..Read more

L
Lowri
21 Nov 24

Everything is within close distance from each other and our libraries and buildings to study/ revise are fully equipped Fix heating and apply more water appliances to the..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

UCAS Tariff:

120 - 144 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Extended Project:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

30 - 36 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM - DDD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

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.

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers.

120 -144 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.

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.

Science related Access Diplomas are considered.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.Typically we would require 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit.

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

A relevant Extended Project will be considered towards the required Tariff points.

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.

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

Depending on the BTEC and units studied. Please include details of units in your UCAS application or contact Admissions for further advice.

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Popular A-level subjects

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
89%
Chemistry
41%
Geography
30%
Mathematics
24%
Psychology
24%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest Marine Biology reviews

Marine Biology
Marine Biology
N
Natasha
24 Nov 24
Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
The camupus and the city is extremely run down, there are a lot of incidents of spiking in clubd, however being next to the sea is amazing...
Read more
L
Lowri
21 Nov 24
Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
Everything is within close distance from each other and our libraries and buildings to study/ revise are fully equipped Fix heating and apply more water appliances to the...
Read more
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How Marine Biology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 101 reviews
5 star
39%
4 stars
55%
3 stars
6%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 2,385 reviews
5 star
36%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
1%
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0%
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Uni info

University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth , Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a modern campus university ideally placed in the centre of Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth, located on...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
65th
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Plymouth  0.2 miles away

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