Plymouth University
Marine Biology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 130 graduates of Marine Biology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) and other courses in Ecology and Environmental Biology at Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Ecology and Environmental Biology.

Overall student satisfaction
88 /100
130 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

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


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

Course Description

Do you have a passion to study marine biology, but lack the normal entry requirements for one of our honours degrees? Perhaps you've shown evidence of good academic potential, but don’t have sufficient qualifications or have been out of formal education for a while. This new four year degree route incorporates a foundation year, which has developed from our extended science course giving you the study skills and scientific underpinning to continue the remainder of the course with confidence.

  • Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Apply through UCAS and receive funding in the same way as an honours degree course.

* Study two core biology modules, one in each semester

* Study either chemistry or physics in each semester

  • Take a core module in study and mathematical skills for life sciences to prepare you to get the most from your university studies.
  • Receive support from a personal academic tutor who's one of our marine biology subject staff.
  • Meet a wide range of marine biology staff in lectures and discussion sessions, gaining an introduction to their research and ‘hot topics’ in marine biology with our specialist issues in marine biology module.
  • Subject to achieving an average mark of 60 per cent across 120 credits in the foundation year, you will continue your studies in one of the related degrees - marine biology, marine biology and oceanography or marine biology and coastal ecology.
  • We'll guide you to the most appropriate route to meet your interests through the tutorials and discussion sessions to decide your next step.
  • In your foundation year, you will be taught at the University by the same academic team as our normal degree courses and will gain the understanding and confidence needed for your future studies.

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.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Marine Biology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University

10% Secretarial and related occupations
10% Teaching Professionals
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Teaching Professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Administrative occupations
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Media Professionals
0% Welfare and housing associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

39% of assessment is by exam, 54% by coursework and 7% practical assessment For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

96 points, including a minimum of two A levels including biology and a second science is normally required to be achieved. GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C/4 or above is normally required.

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

M in T Level Health, Healthcare Science, or Science.

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

Access to HE Diploma

Including one in a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Including one in a relevant subject/science (90 UCAS tariff points)

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus A Level English at grade B. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB-ABB at A Level (preferably including a foreign language) and grade A in the EPQ.

Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications to obtain 88 pts Preferred subjects:- Art and Design, Business and Economics, Construction and Built Environment, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Languages, Land Based and Environment, Music, Performing Arts and Drama, Science Excluded subjects:- Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Early Years, Customer Service, Citizenship, Accounting, PE and Sport, Public Services and Uniformed Services, Travel & Tourism Applicants doing Media subjects will be considered on an individual basis by Admissions Tutor.

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in an essay-based arts, humanities or social science subject, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.

Considered alongside A Level Maths and a second relevant science subject

Considered alongside A Level Maths and a second relevant science subject

The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A Level at the A Level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.

Considered alongside A Level Maths and a second relevant science subject

Considered alongside A Level Maths and a second relevant science subject

Considered alongside A Level Maths and a second relevant science subject

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus AB in two A Levels to include English. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

Maths and English GCSE at Grade C/4. This course is predominantly designed for applicants who have already achieved their qualifications

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Marine Biology with Foundation Year, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

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:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Plymouth University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 28 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

undergraduates:
13880
postgraduates:
2275
Total:
16155
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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