Get degree ideas using our A level explorer tool

Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology

Entry requirements


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

Science related Access Diplomas are considered, however, suitable applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview. After successful interview a typical offer would be: Pass Access to HE Science Diploma with 60 credits overall, to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. 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.

Considered in combination

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

30-36

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.

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

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3

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

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

DDM-DDD

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

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.

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers.

UCAS Tariff

120-144

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

About this course


This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.

Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Other options

4 years | Sandwich | 2024

Subjects

Marine biology

Biodiversity conservation

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 bespoke resources.

Modules

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to marine biology, ecology and key biological themes, with topics from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and animal behaviour. Via lectures, small group tutorials, lab and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll benefit from hands-on experience on the Devon coastline, and an overseas residential field course, exposing you to different marine organisms and developing your scientific skills.

In your second year, you’ll sharpen your practical skills on the South Devon coastline, just minutes away. We’ll introduce you to methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, understanding ecological theories, applying these to shallow water marine habitats, and getting to grips with the major threats faced by aquatic habitats worldwide. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what shapes marine and coastal biodiversity through a residential field course, currently held in South Africa.

During your optional third year, you’ll have the opportunity to arrange a work placement, for a six or 12-month period. In this way you’ll be applying the skills you've learned in a professional environment, gaining invaluable experience while making a host of contacts – useful when it comes to finding your first job.

Your final year of study allows you to focus on your chosen areas of interest, building your own specialisms and skills. You’ll conduct an extensive personal research project, applying the skills and methods you've learned. You’ll also choose from a range of modules that are driven by the research interests of our staff, again giving you the opportunity to specialise and tailor your work towards your career goals, whilst studying at the cutting edge of the field.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website

Assessment methods

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly

The Uni


Course location:

University of Plymouth

Department:

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

88%
Marine biology
88%
Biodiversity conservation

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Ecology and environmental biology

Teaching and learning

94%
Staff make the subject interesting
95%
Staff are good at explaining things
89%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
78%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

79%
Library resources
89%
IT resources
90%
Course specific equipment and facilities
83%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

90%
UK students
10%
International students
37%
Male students
63%
Female students
79%
2:1 or above
8%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

B
C
A

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Ecology and environmental biology

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£16,800
low
Average annual salary
94%
med
Employed or in further education

Top job areas of graduates

14%
Other elementary services occupations
12%
Science, engineering and production technicians
10%
Sales assistants and retail cashiers

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Ecology and environmental biology

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£19k

£19k

£22k

£22k

£23k

£23k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Explore these similar courses...

Lower entry requirements
University of Plymouth | Plymouth
Marine Biology with Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) 4 Years Full-time 2024
UCAS Points: 96-116
Nearby University
Cornwall College | St Austell
Applied Marine Zoology
BSc (Hons) 3 Years Full-time 2024
UCAS Points: 80

Share this page

This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Course location and department:

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here