A unique marine environment
Maximum career impact
Strong industry links and opportunities
Details
Year 1: Dive into Marine Conservation
Core modules
BIOL132
Ecology and the Diversity of Life
This module introduces the fundamental principles of ecology and the diversity of life. It examines patterns of life on Earth, past and present, and how an understanding of these supports efforts to conserve biodiversity and manage resources sustainably. The module also provides an overview of the domains of life on Earth, introducing the remarkable variety of organisms with which we share the planet.
CONSCI100
Introduction to Conservation Science
This module offers first-year students an introduction to conservation science through immersive field and laboratory experiences. Students will gain hands-on skills in species identification, data collection, and ecosystem analysis using contemporary tools. Emphasis will be placed on science communication, teamwork, and statistical analysis in the context of both marine and terrestrial conservation.
CONSCI101
Exploring Nature Conservation
This module explores the evolution of nature conservation thinking, from early protectionist approaches to emerging paradigms that see people and nature as interdependent. Students will examine key concepts and interventions through case studies, critically assessing their effectiveness while developing interdisciplinary insight into contemporary conservation challenges.
CONSCI102
Spatial Ecology and GIS
This module explores the evolution of nature conservation thinking, from early protectionist approaches to emerging paradigms that see people and nature as interdependent. Students will examine key concepts and interventions through case studies, critically assessing their effectiveness while developing interdisciplinary insight into contemporary conservation challenges.
OS102
Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the main physical and chemical processes occurring in the worlds oceans and a foundation in key aspects of underpinning science and mathematics.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS109
Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to biodiversity with particular focus on marine organisms. Students will be taught how we name and classify species using a hierarchical system. Students will learn where different organisms live and how they interact in various ecosystems in our oceans. Students will gain a basic understanding of food webs, primary production and marine ecology.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
Year 2: Exploring the oceans and people
Core modules
BIOL204
Principles of Conservation Biology
20 credits
Successful conservation is dependent on a thorough grasp of fundamental biological principles. The conceptual aspects of population, molecular, & evolutionary ecology which are central to understanding the dynamics of, and future threats to, extant populations of organisms are reviewed.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI200
Conservation Research Skills
This module equips students with essential skills for conducting conservation surveys in a variety of natural systems. It covers hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection and insight analysis using open source and industry standard software. Students will design, conduct, analyse and present their own field investigation. The module blends lectures, fieldwork, and online workshops.
CONSCI201
Nature and People: Understanding Socioecological Systems
Explore the dynamic interplay between people and nature through the lens of socioecological systems. This interdisciplinary module blends ecology and social science, covering nature/ocean literacy, citizen science, communication, and environmental justice. Students gain practical experience in fieldwork, survey design, and collaborative conservation problem-solving.
OS205
Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will introduce how human activities (such as fisheries, energy supply and mineral extraction) can impact the marine environment, including through pollution and biodiversity loss. The concepts of marine management and conservation will be introduced and methods of preventing and managing anthropogenic impacts will be introduced and evaluated and their role in marine conservation discussed.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
BIOL205
Animal Behaviour
The module addresses why animals behave in a particular way and the methodology involved in studying them. This involves understanding the causation, development, function and evolution of behaviour. We will also discuss how this knowledge might be applied in practical situations.
BIOL214
Ecology
20 credits
An understanding of basic concepts is needed to solve ecological problems. This module explores key concepts in ecology at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. The concepts are supported with examples taken from terrestrial and aquatic systems, and provide a useful insight into the search for general theories in ecology.
50% Examinations
30% Coursework
20% Tests
CONSCI202
Marine Conservation Field Course
This module provides students with hands-on experience in marine field research, where they conduct individual and group projects in diverse marine environments. Students develop field research, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.
OS207
Scientific Diving
20 credits
This module allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques. These will then be applied in a multi-disciplinary context to the planning, execution, analysis and reporting of a field-based sampling activity.
100% Coursework
OS209
Marine Remote Sensing
20 credits
This module introduces the theory underlying remote sensing using introductory lectures and laboratory practicals. An opportunity to apply the theory in the remote sensing context is provided by boat and computing work. Remote sensing imagery is introduced early in the module and students work on image enhancement, analysis and interpretation in the latter part of the course, supported by theory lectures and/or workshops.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
Optional placement year
Core modules
APIE303
Biology:Placement
This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved company or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their biological knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.
Final year: Lead your own conservation journey
Core modules
OS307
Marine Conservation Policy and Planning
20 credits
This module explores issues surrounding the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. It will develop an understanding of marine governance, including policy frameworks and agencies responsible for implementing marine conservation strategy. Topics include the range of measures and approaches for successful marine conservation and the importance of taking holistic approaches to management, including policy and planning
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
OS304
Marine Ecosystem Conservation
20 credits
From tropical mangroves to temperate pelagic waters, marine ecosystems around the world face a variety of threats due to human activities and resource pressure. This module will examine threats to a range of marine and coastal ecosystems and explore methods for management and conservation. We will explore methods for surveying and monitoring marine ecosystems and learn about the ecological consequences of human impacts.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
Optional modules
ANT6008MX
Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the age of climate change and mass extinction.
20 credits
Using ethnography, we analyse how coastal communities use the sea – not only as a source of livelihood, but as a key ingredient in the construction of their identity and place in world. Drawing on a range of cases from across the world – from Polynesian sorcerers, to Japanese whale mourners, to Cornish surfers – we study how coastal communities are responding to climate change, sea level rise, pollution, and extinction.
100% Coursework
BIOL308
Applied Conservation Biology
20 credits
Focuses on application of biological theory to successfully managing populations in wild and captive environments. The emphasis is on how theory feeds into and informs working practice. Along with advancing their theoretical knowledge, students develop knowledge of the major approaches, analytical tools, techniques and software that individuals working in the public and private conservation sectors apply in practice.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL310
Global Change Biology
20 credits
This module provides the student with an in-depth overview of the likely consequences of climate change for plant and animal species biology and distribution over the coming century. From this starting point we will show how an understanding of climate change biology is vital for conservation theory and practice over coming decades.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
BIOL323
Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
20 credits
Learn to use a range of modern animal behaviour analysis techniques in a variety of settings, such as labs, farms, zoos etc. Cover how you identify and follow individual animals to collect social data and construct a social network, how to analyse animal movement and how we can test and train animals to assess behavioural changes - and how to communicate, to a wider audience, the importance of these techniques.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MBIO339
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
20 credits
Marine vertebrates are vulnerable to depletion through over fishing, industrial development, pollution and habitat degradation. This module will examine the ecology of these animals in their natural environments and explore methods for surveying, monitoring and managing populations and species. There is a strong emphasis on current research and hot topics with numerous case studies used throughout the module.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
MBIO363
Fish and Fisheries
20 credits
This module explores the biology of fishes and its application to the science of fisheries management. There is a focus on seminal works and recent advances in the primary literature.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS309
Marine Pollution and Environmental Change
20 credits
This module will consider the sources, transport, sinks and impacts of a wide range of pollutant types (including nutrients, trace elements, sediments, anthropogenic pollutants and carbon dioxide). Practical field techniques will be introduced and used to assess the environmental condition of estuarine waters. Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluating the links between human activities and marine water quality.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
Experience
BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation students scuba diving in Bali
Experience overseas field work
Marine Station
HSE Professional SCUBA diving course
Navigating the future of marine research
Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach
- Gain a strong scientific foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, conservation and marine ecosystems complimented by analytical skills in marine ecology and spatial marine management and policy.
- Achieve extensive experience of surveying a variety of marine habitats by boat and from the shore in and around the Plymouth Sound Marine Park.
- Explore in depth how human activities impact marine ecosystems, and how our relationships to them can be enhanced to improve outcomes for both people and nature.
- Gain practical experience of deploying management tools utilised by practitioners working within ecology and conservation.
- Create strong external links with local conservation organisations, government organisations and ecological consultancies.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in UK and overseas field courses, and specialist research expeditions.
- Participate in an optional HSE professional diving course and an optional dedicated scientific diving module.
Learn from experts
Dr Thomas Davies
Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Dr Tom LETESSIER
Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Dr Sarah Gall
Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Marine Biology Society
Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
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ÆConservation organisations and non-governmental organisations
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ÆGovernment and Regulatory Agencies
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ÆMarine Industry and Sustainable Business
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ÆScience communication and education
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ÆFieldwork and exploration
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ÆResearch and academia
Optional placement year: preparing you for the future
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,535 per year
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
TOTUS student scholarship
Supporting students with the cost of living
Apply
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
BTEC National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
International Baccalaureate
Foundation programme
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
FC71
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
FC71
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
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