Plymouth University
Oceanography and Coastal Processes BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 10 graduates of Oceanography and Coastal Processes BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Physics.

Overall student satisfaction
100 /100
10 total respondents
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 Physics 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 £27921 £27036 £32104
25-75 percentile range £24053 - £32060 £21289 - £33837 £24974 - £41824

Course Description

Are you motivated by a desire to understand processes in the world’s oceans that drive phenomena such as ocean circulation, ocean acidification, sea-level rise or coastal erosion? If so, this course prepares you for a career in applied oceanography, coastal zone management or scientific research. You’ll develop the practical skills needed to collect and analyse data from the marine environment alongside an advanced understanding of ocean dynamics and processes contributing to shoreline change.

You will participate in practical activities during field work in Plymouth Sound, and further afield during the residential field week. You’ll benefit from access to a range of high specification oceanographic instrumentation that you will be trained to independently prepare, deploy and recover. You’ll pursue optional subjects that interest you most.

  • Participate in practical activities during field work in Plymouth Sound, and further afield during the residential field week.

  • Benefit from access to a range of high specification oceanographic instrumentation that you will be trained to independently prepare, deploy and recover.

  • Pursue optional subjects that interest you most from a range including meteorology, remote sensing, marine conservation, hydrographic surveying, modelling ocean processes and marine pollution.

  • Progress into work in oceanographic research and consultancy, coastal zone management and related marine-science industries such as the emerging field of marine renewable energy.

  • Develop your range of practical skills with our own fully-equipped fleet of boats, a new £4.65 million Marine Station used as a base for fieldwork afloat and industry-standard oceanographic and surveying equipment.

  • Choose to take the industry-recognised professional diving qualification (HSE Professional SCUBA) alongside your degree and an optional scientific diving module to provide training and qualification for diving-based research projects and employment (limited places and additional costs apply).

  • Experience an overseas field course that integrates ocean science knowledge and understanding from across the different sub-disciplines to address real-world issues.

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 Oceanography and Coastal Processes BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University

15% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
15% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10% Skilled trades occupations
10% Customer service occupations
10% Administrative occupations
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Protective service occupations
10% Elementary occupations
10% Managers, directors and senior officials

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

With 5.5 in all elements.

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Oceanography and Coastal Processes, 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:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)
  • year 2
  • year 3

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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