BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology with Foundation Year, an undergraduate degree focused on marine organisms and ecosystems. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course features a mandatory foundation year to build academic study skills and scientific knowledge before progressing into the main degree. The foundation year begins by introducing global environmental challenges and the natural sciences through Becoming a Successful Global Scientist, Introduction to Our Natural World, Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World, and Sustainable Development Project.
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: All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above. A level: 48 points from a minimum of 2 A levels, including D in Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects. Qualifying relevant science subjects are: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Health and Social Care, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, or Use of Maths. General Studies is excluded. Points can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include 2 A levels. BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/ QCF Extended Diploma: A typical offer would be MPP, depending on the BTEC and units studied. Please include details of units in your UCAS application or contact Admissions for further advice. 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: Science related Access Diplomas are considered. T level: Pass from a science pathway. International Baccalaureate: 24 overall, to include Higher Level 4 in Biology. English and Maths are accepted within as GCSE equivalent at Higher Level Grade 4 or Standard Level Grade 5.
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What students say
Based on about 70 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 36 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 57%
- Working and studying: 14%
- Further study: 12%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 4%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 45%
- Wales: 6%
- Scotland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Successful Global Scientist
- Introduction to Our Natural World
- Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World
- Sustainable Development Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £30,500. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth do next?
83% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
The average entrant had 89 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.