Are you motivated by a desire to understand the physical processes acting throughout the world’s oceans that underpin the development of effective management and conservation strategies? If so, this course prepares you for a career in applied oceanography, coastal zone management or scientific research. You’ll develop the practical skills needed to collect and analyse data from the marine environment alongside an advanced understanding of ocean dynamics and processes.
- Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World Universit...
Are you motivated by a desire to understand the physical processes acting throughout the world’s oceans that underpin the development of effective management and conservation strategies? If so, this course prepares you for a career in applied oceanography, coastal zone management or scientific research. You’ll develop the practical skills needed to collect and analyse data from the marine environment alongside an advanced understanding of ocean dynamics and processes.<br/><br/><br/>- Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023. <br/><br/><br/>- Participate in practical activities during field work in Plymouth Sound, and further afield during the residential field week.<br/><br/><br/>- Benefit from access to a range of high specification oceanographic instrumentation that you will be trained to independently prepare, deploy and recover.<br/><br/><br/>- Pursue optional subjects that interest you most from a range including meteorology, remote sensing, marine conservation, hydrographic surveying, modelling ocean processes and marine pollution.<br/><br/><br/>- Progress into work in oceanographic research and consultancy, coastal zone management and related marine-science industries such as the emerging field of marine renewable energy.<br/><br/><br/>- 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.<br/><br/><br/>- Choose to take the industry-recognised professional diving qualification (HSE Professional SCUBA) alongside your degree and an optional scientific diving module to provide training and qualification for diving-based research projects and employment (limited places and additional costs apply).<br/><br/><br/>- Experience an overseas field course that integrates ocean science knowledge and understanding from across the different sub-disciplines to address real-world issues.<br/>
2 options available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Sandwich
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
15/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
29 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F736
Institution Code
P60
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 4
112
128
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.
Considered in combination with Advanced Highers, Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
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.
28
30
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.
DMM
DDM
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.
H3,H3,H3,H4,H4
H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
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.
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
112 - 128 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.
Considered in combination
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.
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.
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.
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.
112-128 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.
M
Merit – any 3 science pathways, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above
Considered in combination
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Unfortunately, we're unable to gather fee information for this course. Click here to find out more about Ocean Science BSc (Hons)'s funding options on the university's website.