BSc Ocean Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Earth and Environmental Sciences, focused on ocean science and marine systems. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The course includes an optional 48-week placement year and an independent final-year research project. Fieldwork takes place at a marine station in Plymouth using research vessels, with trips to coastal and offshore locations.
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) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction in a relevant Science subject. 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 95 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 160 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Gained a higher qualification: 4%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 39 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 68%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- 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 150 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 93%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
Accreditation & quality ratings
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
- Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics
- Researching the Marine Environment
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 2
- Seafloor Mapping
- Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
- Scientific Diving
- Weather, Climate and Meteorology
- Remote Sensing of the Environment
- Ocean Dynamics
- Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries
- SoBMS Project
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 4
- Coastal Survey
- Marine Science Field Course (UK)
- Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field Course
- Oceanography, Coastal Processes and Surveying Field Course
- Big Data for Marine Science
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc 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. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Ocean Science at University of Plymouth do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Ocean Science at University of Plymouth?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Ocean Science at University of Plymouth?
The average entrant had 101 UCAS points.
Does BSc 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 Ocean Science at University of Plymouth?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.