Ocean Science and Marine Conservation 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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Different course options
2 options available
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Qualification

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

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 Years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

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

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

SELECTED

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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Subjects

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Geology
SELECTED

Geography & Environmental Science
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Exam type

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A level
SELECTED

Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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UCAS Tariff
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Access to HE Diploma
SELECT

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
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AS
SELECT

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

Extended Project
SELECT

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SELECT

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

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 Diploma (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 Extended Diploma (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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T Level
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
SELECT

Course info

Do you have a passion to understand and protect life in our seas? This course offers an integrated approach to understanding the oceanographic processes that support life in our oceans, how marine ecosystems function and how marine activities can be managed sustainably. You’ll learn about the policy structures designed to protect marine ecosystems and our oceans, and be primed with the skills and enthusiasm to confidently start a job in marine conservation management and scientific research.* ...Read more

Do you have a passion to understand and protect life in our seas? This course offers an integrated approach to understanding the oceanographic processes that support life in our oceans, how marine ecosystems function and how marine activities can be managed sustainably. You’ll learn about the policy structures designed to protect marine ecosystems and our oceans, and be primed with the skills and enthusiasm to confidently start a job in marine conservation management and scientific research.* Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023. * Gain specialist skills including ecological survey methods and quantitative data analysis, and qualitative skills related to stakeholder data collection such as structured interviews and questionnaires. * Prepare for careers in marine conservation and other marine industries such as environmental consultancy and the marine energy sector.* Draw on expert staff involved in internationally-leading research including managing protected populations and marine protected areas (MPAs), marine and coastal governance, marine ecosystem services and economics, and society and the sea. * Develop your range of practical skills with our own fully-equipped fleet of boats, a £4.65 million Marine Station used as a base for fieldwork afloat, and industry standard oceanographic and surveying equipment.* Option to take the industry-recognised professional diving qualification (HSE Professional SCUBA) alongside your degree and an optional dedicated scientific diving module to provide training and qualification for diving-based research projects and employment (limited places and additional costs apply).* Experience an overseas field course that is aimed at integrating ocean science and marine conservation knowledge and understanding across the different sub-disciplines to address real-world issues.

Key stats

Geology
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
23rd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
65th
Earth Sciences
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 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
85%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£20,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£20,000
What students say
A
Alicia
20 Nov 24

What makes the uni a great place is the number of social events, there is always something going on and lots of opportunities to socialize with friends. The Student Union has lots..Read more

K
Kelsey
20 Nov 24

Such an amazing..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
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:

112 - 128 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.

AS:

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:

28 - 30 Grades / Points required

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

H3,H3,H3,H4,H4 - 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):

DMM - DDM 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.

T Level:

M Grades / Points required

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

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

112-128 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of two A Levels including Grade C in at least one relevant Science subject. Excluding General Studies. Relevant Science subjects are:Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Computer Science, Sociology, Design & Technology, Electronics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Marine Science.

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers, Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

112 - 128 UCAS Tariff points including two Advanced Highers including Grade C in at least one relevant Science subject. Excluding General Studies. Relevant Science subjects are:Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Computer Science, Sociology, Design & Technology, Electronics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Marine Science.

points to include a minimum of two A Levels including Grade C in at least one relevant Science subject. Excluding General Studies. Relevant Science subjects are:Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Computer Science, Sociology, Design & Technology, Electronics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Marine Science.

Pass Access (Science) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction in a relevant Science subject.It is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the Access. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

The University of Plymouth welcomes the introduction of the Core Mathematics qualification. We believe it will provide valuable preparation for university study and would encourage its uptake and inclusion on an applicant’s UCAS form, particularly for students wishing to apply for courses that involve the use of statistical data and where a Mathematics ‘A’ level is not part of the standard offer. We are not able to accept Core Mathematics in lieu of AS or A level mathematics where this is a specified requirement for course entry.

Considered in combination

The University of Plymouth welcomes the introduction of the Core Mathematics qualification. We believe it will provide valuable preparation for university study and would encourage its uptake and inclusion on an applicant’s UCAS form, particularly for students wishing to apply for courses that involve the use of statistical data and where a Mathematics ‘A’ level is not part of the standard offer. We are not able to accept Core Mathematics in lieu of AS or A level mathematics where this is a specified requirement for course entry.

Considered in combination

To include a Grade 5 at Higher Level in at least one relevant Science subject. Relevant Science subjects are:Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Computer Science, Sociology, Design & Technology, Electronics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Marine Science. Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent at Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5.

To include at least one relevant Science subject. Relevant Science subjects are:Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Computer Science, Sociology, Design & Technology, Electronics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Marine Science. Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent at H1-H7 or O1-O4.

The University of Plymouth welcomes the introduction of the Core Mathematics qualification. We believe it will provide valuable preparation for university study and would encourage its uptake and inclusion on an applicant’s UCAS form, particularly for students wishing to apply for courses that involve the use of statistical data and where a Mathematics ‘A’ level is not part of the standard offer. We are not able to accept Core Mathematics in lieu of AS or A level mathematics where this is a specified requirement for course entry.

The University of Plymouth welcomes the introduction of the Core Mathematics qualification. We believe it will provide valuable preparation for university study and would encourage its uptake and inclusion on an applicant’s UCAS form, particularly for students wishing to apply for courses that involve the use of statistical data and where a Mathematics ‘A’ level is not part of the standard offer. We are not able to accept Core Mathematics in lieu of AS or A level mathematics where this is a specified requirement for course entry.

Considered in combination with other qualifications.If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Considered in combination with other qualifications.If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Considered in combination with other qualifications.If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

In a relevant Science subject.If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Considered in combination with other qualifications.If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

The University of Plymouth welcomes the introduction of the Core Mathematics qualification. We believe it will provide valuable preparation for university study and would encourage its uptake and inclusion on an applicant’s UCAS form, particularly for students wishing to apply for courses that involve the use of statistical data and where a Mathematics ‘A’ level is not part of the standard offer. We are not able to accept Core Mathematics in lieu of AS or A level mathematics where this is a specified requirement for course entry.

Merit – any 3 science pathways, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above

Considered in combination

Popular A-level subjects

Earth Sciences

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

Geography
61%
Biology
40%
Geology
32%
Chemistry
22%
Mathematics
20%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest Marine / Coastal Conservation / Protection reviews

Marine / Coastal Conservation / Protection
Marine / Coastal Conservation / Protection
Oceanography
A
Alicia
20 Nov 24
Ocean Science and Marine Conservation BSc (Hons)
What makes the uni a great place is the number of social events, there is always something going on and lots of opportunities to socialize with friends. The Student Union has lots...
Read more
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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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