Close icon

Personalise what you see on this page.

Choose from the options below. We'll show you information based on your current location as default.

I'M FROM

  • United States
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.

LIVING IN

  • United States
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.

LOOKING FOR

  • Undergraduate courses
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.
Viewing as a student from United States living in United States interested in Undergraduate courses

Marine Biology and Oceanography BSc (Hons)

University of Plymouth

Add to favourites

Course options

  • Qualification

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

  • Location

    Main Site

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    15-SEP-25

  • Duration

    3 Years

Course summary

Around 70% of our planet is ocean with an average depth of 3000m. To understand the biology of this vast area, we must also understand the oceans themselves. Marine biology and oceanography covers topics such as how animals can thrive in extreme environments such as the deep sea, how currents influence animal migrations, and how climate impacts marine life. Teaching uses both small and large research vessels, providing you with an unrivalled experience of open ocean marine biology. Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Explore the marine life of the open ocean and deep-sea and how physical and chemical processes drive the biology and ecology of marine species. Study marine life in the wild with access to 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 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 lecturers – 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 two residential field courses (currently in France and Sweden), and experience research on a large ocean-going research vessel. Gain invaluable experience on a six or 12-month international placement during your third year, or working in a local host organisation alongside your studies. 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 bespoke resources.

Application deadline

29 January

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

Information not available

Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

Email

Do you need to know more?

Ask a question directly and subscribe to this university

REQUEST INFO

University information

University of Plymouth

University of Plymouth

  • University League Table

    65th

  • Campus address

    Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, England

Join a thriving international community made up of 2,000 students from over 100 different countries.
Find your uni family in one of many international student groups at the Students' Union.
To reward outstanding achievement and to help ease concerns you may have about funding your studies, the university offers several international scholarships.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    41st out of 94 3

    23rd out of 30 1

  • Entry standards

    / Max 228
    141 62%

    38th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    76.0 76%

    45th

    10
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.07 77%

    49th

    20
  • Entry standards

    / Max 229
    125 55%

    21st

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    80.0 80%

    15th

    1
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.26 81%

    5th

    13

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Sorry about that...

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT?

SUBMIT

Thanks for your feedback!