BSc Geography with Ocean Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Geography with Ocean Science, a geography degree focusing on physical environmental processes and marine science in coastal settings. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can choose to complete an optional professional placement year or study abroad. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems, Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change, Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management, Sustainable Futures, Our Digital Planet, and Oceanography. The second year advances core knowledge via Global Ocean Processes, Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics, Placement Preparation, Designing Research for a Changing Planet, and Principles and Professional Skills in Geography, alongside optional modules including Quaternary to Anthropocene, Catchment and River Processes, and Geographical Information Systems. The final year involves advanced compulsory study in Ocean Dynamics, Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries, and an Independent Project, alongside optional choices such as Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability, Dryland Change, and Big Data & Spatial Analytics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics and English language grade C. A level: 104 points from a minimum of two A levels. 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM. We welcome this qualification however please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk , stating explicitly the full list of modules within your qualification. BTEC National Diploma modules: 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. All Access courses: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. science, humanities,combined), (including GCSE English and Mathematics grade C /4 or above or equivalent) with at least 33 credits at merit. T level: Merit in any subject. International Baccalaureate: 26-27 overall. English and mathematics must be included.
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 95%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 8%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 43%
- Wales: 7%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the purpose of recognising the delivery of geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches and attributes expected of high quality geography graduates.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement
- Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
- Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change
- Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management
- Sustainable Futures
- Our Digital Planet
- Oceanography
- Global Ocean Processes
- Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics
- Placement Preparation
- Designing Research for a Changing Planet
- Principles and Professional Skills in Geography
- Quaternary to Anthropocene
- Catchment and River Processes
- Geographical Information Systems
- Research Design in Action: Fieldwork for a Changing Planet
- Weather, Climate and Meteorology
- Remote Sensing of the Environment
- Ocean Dynamics
- Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries
- Independent Project
- Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability
- Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential
- Dryland Change
- Long-term Environmental Change
- Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges
- Big Data & Spatial Analytics
- Climate Change Action
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £36,500.
What do graduates of BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth?
The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
Is BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the purpose of recognising the delivery of geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches and attributes expected of high quality geography graduates.
Does BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geography with Ocean Science at University of Plymouth?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.