Plymouth University
Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 105 graduates of Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) and other courses in Earth Sciences at Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Earth Sciences.

Overall student satisfaction
86 /100
105 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Earth Sciences

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Earth Sciences 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 £25000 £23000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £30000 £17500 - £27000 £22000 - £33000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Earth Sciences

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24981 £24496 £28785
25-75 percentile range £21491 - £29019 £19181 - £30313 £22339 - £36076

Course Description

Expand your knowledge of the oceans with the BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year. During this new four-year degree route you will explore the diverse range of open ocean, coastal, hydrographic and conservation specialisations this course offers. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level or if you have been out of formal education for some time, this course is for you.

  • Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Study the physical, biological, chemical and mathematical principles that underpin the marine sciences.
  • Build your confidence as an independent learner as you develop research, analytical and scientific reporting skills throughout the year.
  • Learn about current issues in marine sciences from research active staff who are passionate about their subjects.
  • Study under the guidance of a personal academic tutor from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences.
  • Subject to successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0), choose from progression routes that will help you gain a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science with options to develop specialist skills in marine conservation, oceanography or hydrography.
  • Experience the university life right from the start, being taught by staff who teach on the degree courses.
  • Practical sessions are held in our well-appointed laboratories.

- Excellent mathematics support via SUM: UP drop-in centre. - The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

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 Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University

20% Natural and social science professionals
13% Welfare and housing associate professionals
10% Engineering professionals
9% Teaching Professionals
9% Media Professionals
7% Skilled trades occupations
6% Sales occupations
4% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
3% Elementary occupations
3% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

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

To include minimum 2 A Levels include Grade E in relevant subject: Biology/Human Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Physics/Geography/Environmental Science/Environmental Studies/Geology. Excluding General Studies

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Access to HE Diploma

Must have GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

With 5.5 in all elements.

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 Ocean Sciences 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.

Rankings of Plymouth University in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #28 
    • #151 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

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

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

Main Site
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