Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University
Key Course Facts
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 40 graduates of Marine Biology 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 | £21866 | £19075 | £23442 |
25-75 percentile range | £18953 - £24799 | £14408 - £23761 | £18123 - £29056 |
All Ecology and Environmental Biology courses in the UK
Course Description
In this hands-on degree you’ll explore the organisms living in marine environments from the coastal margins to the deep sea. Teaching takes advantage of the stunning coastline on the doorstep of the University as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities, so you won’t just experience marine biology but also practice it at the highest levels, both in the laboratory and field.
You'll study the biology of organisms ranging from coral reef microbes and marine algae at the base of marine ecosystems to the diverse invertebrates, abundant fishes and largest mammals that roam the ocean. You’ll apply this knowledge to understand how marine life is impacted by factors such as climate change and pollution. This degree not only teaches you about the subject, it also equips you with the practical, intellectual and scientific skills to be a practising marine biologist.
- Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Explore the full diversity of marine life, from microscopic plankton to iconic marine mammals. Study marine organisms from every angle including how they work, develop and behave and where they are found, how they have evolved and what the future holds for them.
- 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.
- Benefit from a strong emphasis on the biology of marine organisms, experimental design, practical and field skills in the lab and at sea.
- Choose optional modules which interest you, such as Scientific Diving which allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques.
- Access the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and our Marine Station.
- 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.
- Benefit from our reputation as an international centre for marine research. Our expert teaching staff collaborate on many varied research projects – one of the many reasons why 100 per cent of our graduates said that our staff made the subject interesting (source: UNISTATS).
- Opportunities to gain extra experience working in one of the marine research organisations located in Plymouth, alongside your studies. The University enjoys strong links with the internationally renowned marine research establishments based in the city, including the Diving Diseases Research Centre, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Marine Biological Association of the UK and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science.
- Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with two residential field courses abroad (France and Portugal) that give you the chance to study marine organisms not found in UK waters.
- Take the opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills in an optional placement in your third year.
- Widening your knowledge in an area of interest with a major personal research project conducted in your final year.
- 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 learn how marine biology research gets funded in the UK in a unique role play event. There is also the opportunity to gain the HSE Professional SCUBA commercial diver qualification, for those with a suitable background in diving.
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
This particular course
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 BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University
20% | Skilled trades occupations |
20% | Artistic, literary and media occupations |
15% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
5% | Customer service occupations |
5% | Administrative occupations |
5% | Business and public service associate professionals |
5% | Design occupations |
5% | Sales occupations |
5% | Customer service occupations |
Grading & Study Time
Grading Distribution
Students of the course received the following grades
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 |