Ocean Exploration and Surveying BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Ocean Exploration and Surveying BSc (Hons)
Launch your global career exploring and surveying the world’s oceans. Using industry-standard equipment and software aboard our fleet of survey vessels, youll build the hands-on expertise and advanced skills demanded by industry.
Career ready skills
Use our advanced industry-standard survey equipment, research vessels and uncrewed surface vehicles for practical data collection, gaining sought-after experience and in-demand skills in Plymouths coastal environment.
Fieldwork from week one
Participate in boatwork throughout yo...
Launch your global career exploring and surveying the world’s oceans. Using industry-standard equipment and software aboard our fleet of survey vessels, youll build the hands-on expertise and advanced skills demanded by industry.<br/><br/><strong>Career ready skills</strong><br/>Use our advanced industry-standard survey equipment, research vessels and uncrewed surface vehicles for practical data collection, gaining sought-after experience and in-demand skills in Plymouths coastal environment.<br/><br/><strong>Fieldwork from week one</strong><br/>Participate in boatwork throughout your degree, immerse yourself in our optional international fieldtrip, gain hands-on experience in real-world environments and apply your skills to the hydrographic sector.<br/><br/><strong>Professional diving and global fieldwork opportunities</strong> <br/>Boost your credentials with the HSE Professional SCUBA qualification and a dedicated scientific diving module (optional), alongside opportunities for overseas field courses and industry-based experiences.<br/><br/><strong>This course is for you if...</strong><br/>- youre eager to develop skills in hydrographic surveying, using advanced, industry-standard equipment<br/><br/><br/>- you’re passionate about understanding the ocean and seafloor, and the processes that shape them<br/><br/><br/>- you enjoy hands-on learning through boatwork, fieldwork and labwork<br/><br/><br/>- you aspire for a career that combines science, adventure and real-world impact.<br/>
Course Information
2 options available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F731
Institution Code
P60
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
112
points to include a minimum of two A Levels including Grade C 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.
Scottish Higher
Considered in combination with Advanced Highers, Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access (Science), (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C or above or equivalent) with at least 33 credits at Distinction depending on subject, the remaining units at Merit or above. If not science related Access please contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM
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.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
112 UCAS Tariff points including Grade H3 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 H1-H7 or O1-O4.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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.
AS
Considered in combination
Scottish Advanced Higher
112 UCAS Tariff points including two Advanced Highers including Grade C 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.
Extended Project
Considered in combination
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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.
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
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.
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
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.
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
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.
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
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.
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
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.
A level
112 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of two A Levels including Grade C 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.
T Level
M
Merit – any 3 science pathways, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
C
This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
C
This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications
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