Marine Biology and Oceanography BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University
Key Course Facts
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 15 graduates of Marine Biology and Oceanography BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Ecology and Environmental Biology.
This particular course
Salary
Salary of Graduates in Ecology and Environmental Biology
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Ecology and Environmental Biology at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £22000 | £19500 | £23500 |
25-75 percentile range | £20000 - £25000 | £13500 - £23000 | £18500 - £29000 |
All Ecology and Environmental Biology courses of Plymouth University
Salary of all UK Graduates of Ecology and Environmental Biology
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £23692 | £22795 | £27134 |
25-75 percentile range | £20440 - £27272 | £17684 - £28258 | £21037 - £33908 |
All Ecology and Environmental Biology courses in the UK
Course Description
Around 70% of our planet is ocean with an average depth of 3000m. To understand the biology of this vast area, we must also understand the oceans themselves. Marine biology and oceanography covers topics such as how animals can thrive in extreme environments such as the deep sea, how currents influence animal migrations, and how climate impacts marine life. Teaching uses both small and large research vessels, providing you with an unrivalled experience of open ocean marine biology.
You will develop a host of practical skills that will prepare you for your chosen career and make you attractive to employers. You will have the opportunity to gain the HSE PRO SCUBA qualification, for those with a suitable background in diving. You’ll also gain invaluable experience on a six or 12-month international placement during your third year, or working in a local host organisation alongside your studies.
- Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Explore the marine life of the open ocean and deep-sea and how physical and chemical processes drive the biology and ecology of marine species.
- Study marine life in the wild with access to the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and our Marine Station.
- Benefit from our reputation as an international centre for marine research. Our expert teaching staff are active researcher and enthusiastic specialists in their fields.
- Study marine life in the wild with access to the beautiful and varied Devon and Cornwall coastline. A recent World Wildlife Fund report highlighted the South Devon coast - which can be reached on foot from campus - as the area of highest marine biodiversity in the UK.
- Deepen your experience through practical field and laboratory work, linked to lecturers - something regularly praised by our external examiners. Our specialist facilities include advanced molecular and behavioural laboratories, a seawater aquarium, environmentally controlled labs and a bespoke marine station.
- Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with two residential field courses (currently in France and Sweden), and experience research on a large ocean-going research vessel.
- Gain invaluable experience on a six or 12-month international placement during your third year, or working in a local host organisation alongside your studies.
- Develop a wide range of skills that will prepare you for your chosen career and make you attractive to employers – learn how to ask and answer research questions, and how to apply this skill to conservation challenges in the real world. There is also the opportunity to gain the HSE PRO SCUBA qualification, for those with a suitable background in diving.
- Immerse yourself in Plymouth’s marine research culture. Alongside the University the city is home to several other world-leading establishments, one of the largest concentrations of marine science study in Europe. Take opportunities to gain extra experience working in one of the marine organisations located in Plymouth, alongside your studies.
- Take the opportunity to contribute to the latest research and advances in the field – many of our students have their research projects published in leading international peer-reviewed journals.
- Choose from a wide range of subjects that most interest you and are best suited to your intended career path, building your own specialisms and skills.
- LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
This particular course
Current jobs
All courses of Plymouth University
Required skill level of job after 15 months
This particular course
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Marine Biology and Oceanography BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University
30% | Administrative occupations |
20% | Business and public service associate professionals |
15% | Sales occupations |
15% | Design occupations |
15% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
5% | Customer service occupations |
5% | Welfare and housing associate professionals |
Grading & Study Time
Entry Requirements / Admissions
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
This particular course
Costs
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2025
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
- year 2
- year 3
University Rankings
Positions of Plymouth University in top UK and global rankings.
See all 29 university rankings of Plymouth University
About Plymouth University
Founded in 1992, Plymouth University is established in the small city of Plymouth, South West England. The university has a variety of residence halls at distinct price points, and all within walking distance of your classrooms. When wandering off-campus, students will find a blend of both urban and rural surroundings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone here.
List of 221 Bachelor and Master Courses from Plymouth University - Course Catalogue
Student composition of Plymouth University
-
Total number of students enrolled at Plymouth University by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 13880
- postgraduates:
- 2275
- Total:
- 16155
-
Number of students enrolled in courses of subject “Marine Biology”: Academic year - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
Where is this programme taught
Similar courses
Program | University | Student satisfaction | Unemployed | Dropout | Tuition (UK) | Tuition (International) | UCAS Tariff | City | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marine Biology (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons) | University of Essex | - | 5% | 0% | £9250 | £22100 | 111 | Colchester | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology BSc (Hons) | University of Essex | 79% | 5% | 5% | £9250 | £22100 | 112 | Colchester | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology (with foundation year) BSc (Hons) | University of Hull | 74% | 0% | 10% | £9250 £9250 | £18300 £19500 | 93 | Hull | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology BSc (Hons) | University of Exeter | 88% | 5% | 7% | £9250 | £29700 | 156 | Exeter | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology (Including Placement Year) BSc (Hons) | University of Essex | 82% | 5% | 7% | £9250 | £22100 | 128 | Colchester | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology with Professional Studies BSc (Hons) | Queen's University of Belfast | 68% | 0% | 0% | £9250 | £25300 | 134 | Belfast | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology BSc (Hons) | University of Hull | 68% | 5% | 5% | £9250 £9250 | £18300 £19500 | 131 | Hull | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology BSc (Hons) | University of Portsmouth | 73% | 0% | 1% | £9250 | £20200 | 137 | Portsmouth | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology BSc (Hons) | University of Aberdeen | 73% | 0% | 0% | £9250 | £26100 £24800 | 162 | Aberdeen | On campus Full-time | |
Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad) BSc (Hons) | University of Essex | 82% | 5% | 0% | £9250 | £22100 | 119 | Colchester | On campus Full-time |