BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology at University of Plymouth. You'll undertake specialist options and an independent project, developing the professional skills needed in marine and environmental sectors.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Ecology and environmental biology graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Cells: The Building Blocks of LifeCore20 credits
Module details
Explore the molecular and genetic features that allow cells to function. You'll investigate cell biology in the context of plant and animal development and learn how cells process complex information to give biological outcomes which have implications at the cellular, tissue and whole organism levels. This module provides a vital grounding in cell biology and development.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Marine Biology Field CourseCore20 credits
Module details
Immerse yourself in marine biology and learn to think and work like a scientist. Through hands-on taxonomy practicals, statistics workshops and career sessions, you'll build skills in data analysis, communication and marine diversity. The highlight is a non-residential field course in Devon and Cornwall where in small groups you design a study, collect and analyse data, and present findings in one intensive week!
Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Tests
- Evolution and BehaviourCore20 credits
Module details
Explore the evolutionary principles that shape species and their behaviour. You'll examine genetic inheritance, population genetics, adaptation, fitness, speciation, and the fossil record using key examples and practical classes to deepen understanding. Historical developments in evolutionary thought provide context for modern interpretations, helping you approach biology through the lens of evolutionary adaptation.
Assessment: 50% Examinations 50% Tests
- BiodiversityCore20 credits
Module details
Investigate what biodiversity is, where it occurs and why it matters. You'll study global patterns of diversity, the biology of key taxa and the threats facing ecosystems today. Through this module, you'll develop a strong understanding of how biodiversity is valued, assessed and conserved, while exploring the ecological principles that underpin these efforts.
Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Examinations
- Marine Biology Student Support Stage 1Core
Module details
Receive structured support in developing foundational skills essential for marine biology. This module complements your Level 4 studies by tracking your progress in laboratory techniques, fieldwork, data handling and transferable skills, ensuring you establish a strong base for future marine science learning.
- Oceanography
Module details
This module introduces the science that shapes our oceans, exploring the physical and chemical processes that drive ocean circulation and mixing, and influence the character of marine environments worldwide. Key scientific principles are introduced along the way, helping students build a strong foundation for further study in ocean and marine sciences.
- Introduction to Marine Biology
Module details
This module introduces students to the dynamic world of marine biology, exploring marine ecosystems, marine organisms and key research areas. Through hands on fieldwork and laboratory sessions, students build practical research skills while developing confidence in effective scientific writing and communication.
Year 2 10 modules
- EcologyCore20 credits
Module details
Build a strong understanding of ecological principles at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. You'll explore how ecological processes operate and species interact in both aquatic and terrestrial systems, and examine how scientists search for general theories in ecology. This module provides a solid conceptual framework for advanced ecological analysis and problem-solving.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Coastal Biodiversity and Ecology Field CourseCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides practical experience in marine ecological field methods and coastal research. You'll conduct scientific research on some of the world's most unspoiled, spectacular coasts, collecting data on African mammal diversity, analysing results and presenting findings in a scientific report. Then we move to the rocky shore to explore biogeographical patterns, coral-algal interactions and animal behaviour.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Ecology of Shallow Water Marine HabitatsCore20 credits
Module details
Study the ecology of shallow water environments, some of the most diverse and productive habitats on Earth. You'll explore the organisms living within them, the environmental factors shaping these systems and the methods used to analyse ecological data. This module strengthens your ability to evaluate and communicate ecological findings in marine science.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Methods in Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology and OceanographyCore20 credits
Module details
Develop core practical skills needed for field studies in marine biology, coastal ecology and oceanography. You'll learn data-collection techniques, experimental design principles, and methods for analysing and communicating scientific information. Through hands-on practice, this module prepares you for more advanced fieldwork and research across marine and coastal systems.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Marine Biology Student Support Stage 2Core
Module details
Enhance your competence in field, lab and analytical skills across your Level 5 studies. This module ensures continued skill development through timetabled activities and structured tracking, helping you prepare confidently for advanced marine biology modules and independent research at higher levels.
- Principles of Conservation BiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the biological principles essential for effective conservation. You'll examine population ecology and conservation genetics to understand extinction risk and persistence of species and study their relevance to conservation management. This module strengthens your ability to apply core ecological concepts to real world conservation challenges and prepares you for more advanced conservation study.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Biology of Marine OrganismsOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the fundamental biology of marine organisms, focusing on diversity of form and function in key groups. Develop an understanding of the evolution and anatomy of organisms across the marine tree of life including marine vertebrates, invertebrates and algae. Build an understanding of marine biodiversity and how morphological and physiological traits allow organisms to inhabit a range of marine environments.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Scientific DivingOptional20 credits
Module details
Enhance your research capabilities through professional level scientific diving. Suitable for students with the HSE SCUBA qualification, this module trains you in underwater photography, surveying and sampling techniques. You'll plan and execute multidisciplinary dive projects, developing skills used in research, industry and environmental monitoring.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Managing Human Impacts in the Marine EnvironmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore how human activities, from fisheries to energy extraction, affect marine ecosystems. You'll study pollution, biodiversity loss and management strategies used to mitigate impacts. Through case studies and evaluation of conservation tools, this module builds your ability to assess and manage human pressures on marine environments.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Ecophysiology of Marine AnimalsOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore how marine animals function within ecological and evolutionary contexts. You'll study physiological processes, environmental responses and the adaptations that allow species to thrive in diverse marine environments. This module blends conceptual understanding with applied examples to strengthen your grasp of how physiology shapes ecological interactions.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
Placement Year 1 modules
- Marine Biology related PlacementCore
Module details
Spend up to 48 weeks gaining real-world experience in a professional marine biology setting. This extended placement allows you to apply knowledge gained in your first two years, build workplace skills and prepare for your final stage of study. It provides valuable insight into career pathways and industry expectations in marine biology.
Final Year 5 modules
- SoBMS ProjectCore40 credits
Module details
Undertake an independent research project from concept to completion. You'll develop a research question, design and execute your study, analyse results and communicate your findings. This module strengthens your ability to work independently, solve problems and reflect on your academic and professional development.
Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Practicals
- Tropical Marine EcologyCore20 credits
Module details
Dive into the ecology of tropical marine ecosystems and explore the patterns, processes and interactions that shape them. You'll study how species and communities respond to environmental change, investigate ecosystem functioning and develop key research skills. This module provides a rich foundation for understanding tropical biodiversity and its global significance.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Marine Biology Student Support Stage 4Core
Module details
Consolidate and refine your advanced marine biology skills as you complete your degree. This module supports your progression through Level 6, helping you strengthen professional, analytical and research competencies and ensuring you graduate with a strong, workplace-ready skillset.
- Global Change BiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Investigate how climate change is reshaping plant and animal biology and distributions. You'll explore current predictions for ecological change over the coming century and examine how this knowledge informs conservation action. By connecting climate science with ecological practice, the module prepares you to engage with one of the most urgent challenges facing biodiversity.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Behavioural EcologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the theories behind key models in behavioural ecology, including optimal foraging, game theory and habitat selection. Using empirical studies, you'll evaluate how animals make decisions and how behaviour evolves. This module provides a deeper understanding of how behaviour shapes ec
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study how marine organisms and coastal ecosystems function, from cellular and molecular foundations through to applied conservation and ecology. In Year 1, you'll start with cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical lab skills and data analysis. Year 2 moves into molecular biology and physiology or microbiology (depending on your pathway), research methods and a lab project. Year 3 lets you specialise in areas such as ecology and conservation, molecular biology, biotechnology or microbiology, while you complete current topics in bioscience and conduct your own extended research project. A course like this normally combines classroom learning, practical work and fieldwork tailored to marine and coastal systems.
Who it's for
You're interested in the ocean and coastal environments, their biology, ecosystems and the pressures they face. You're methodical, curious about scientific evidence, and comfortable with both quantitative analysis and fieldwork. You want hands-on experience: laboratory work, surveys, data collection. Studying this will mean immersing yourself in marine science from multiple angles, from cellular biology to ecosystem dynamics, and testing your understanding in the field. This suits you if you're driven by understanding how coastal systems work and how to protect them.
Careers & job market
Among graduates from Biological Sciences courses nationally, 85% are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Of those in work, 60% are in highly skilled roles or continuing study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £23,000–£29,000 at 15 months, rising to £25,075–£35,400 by five years after graduation. Graduates work in marine research, conservation management, environmental consultancy, and public-sector science roles.
University & format
The University of Plymouth, located on the University of Plymouth Campus, offers this BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology as a full-time, 3-year degree taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the degree is nationally recognised. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Plymouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,000 | £20,000 – £28,000 | 55 |
| 3 years after | £20,500 | £15,500 – £23,500 | 120 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £21,500 – £30,500 | 135 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 771 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 85; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Head of School, Biological Sciences - Strategic Leadership & GrowthUNIVERSITY OF READINGEducation-Focused Assistant Professor, Biological SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambicBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambic Therapeutics, IncCrop Geneticist The James Hutton Institute, Department of Cell & Molecular SciencesEuropean Plant Science OrganisationRegional Lead, Life Sciences FM, UK, Ireland & NordicsJLLIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.9 out of 10: NSS 85.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Plymouth; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Plymouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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