BSc Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year, an undergraduate degree focused on environmental challenges and natural sciences. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course begins with a compulsory foundation year designed to build core scientific concepts and prepare learners for higher education. The initial year introduces foundational principles through modules such as Becoming a Successful Global Scientist, Introduction to Our Natural World, Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World, and Sustainable Development Project. These studies cover major environmental challenges, natural science foundations, biological concepts, and collaborative group investigations into global issues.
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: 32 points from a minimum of 2 A Levels including an E in a relevant subject: Biology/Human Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Physics/Geography/Environmental Science/Environmental Studies/Geology. BTEC National Diploma modules: BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP 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: Pass – any 3 science pathways, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above. International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include a 3 at Higher Level in a 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 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
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 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
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 Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year 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 Sciences with Foundation Year 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 Sciences with Foundation Year 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 Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 73 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.