BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Ocean Exploration and Surveying, an undergraduate degree focused on marine environments, seafloor mapping, and coastal processes. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students can undertake an optional professional placement year lasting up to 48 weeks, an optional year abroad, or start with a foundation year. The first year covers foundational principles through modules such as Introduction to Ocean Science, Measuring the Marine Environment, Mapping the Marine Environment, and Exploration and Geomorphology of the Oceans. Second-year studies advance into global systems and monitoring techniques via Global Ocean Processes, Monitoring the Marine Environment, Seafloor Mapping, and Researching the Marine Environment, while offering optional modules like Scientific Diving and Weather, Climate and Meteorology. The final year involves specialized topics and independent research through Coastal Survey, SoBMS Project, Applied Ocean Exploration, and Marine Science Student Support Stage 4, with further optional choices including Big Data for Marine Science and Marine Autonomy.
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) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above. A level: 112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels to include a grade C in a relevant science subject. Relevant science subjects include Applied Science; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Design & Technology; Electronic; Engineering; Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Psychology; Sociology; Statistics. BTEC National Diploma modules: BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM 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. All Access courses: Pass Access (Science), (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C or above or equivalent) with at least 33 credits at Distinction depending on subject, the remaining units at Merit or above. If not science related Access please contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk . T level: Merit – any 3 science pathways, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above. International Baccalaureate: 28 overall to include 5 at HL in a relevant science subject. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 95%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 95%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 95%
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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for Graduate Membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Ocean Science Placement
- Introduction to Ocean Science
- Measuring the Marine Environment
- Mapping the Marine Environment
- Exploration and Geomorphology of the Oceans
- Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 1
- Oceanography
- Global Ocean Processes
- Monitoring the Marine Environment
- Seafloor Mapping
- Researching the Marine Environment
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 2
- Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics
- Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
- Scientific Diving
- Weather, Climate and Meteorology
- Remote Sensing of the Environment
- Coastal Survey
- SoBMS Project
- Applied Ocean Exploration
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 4
- Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries
- Marine Science Field Course (UK)
- Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field Course
- Oceanography, Coastal Processes and Surveying Field Course
- Big Data for Marine Science
- Marine Autonomy
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying 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. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying at University of Plymouth do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying at University of Plymouth?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying at University of Plymouth?
The average entrant had 107 UCAS points.
Is BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for Graduate Membership.
Does BSc Ocean Exploration and Surveying 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 Ocean Exploration and Surveying at University of Plymouth?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.