BSc (Hons) Ocean Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Ocean Science at University of Plymouth. Ocean Science is a field-based discipline rooted in understanding marine systems and processes.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Ocean Science 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 Earth sciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, 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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 89% (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
- Introduction to Ocean ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
Begin your journey into ocean science by exploring its breadth, importance and interdisciplinary nature. You'll develop skills in scientific enquiry, critical thinking and communication. This module builds confidence in understanding marine systems and equips you with foundational knowledge essential for further study in oceanography and marine environmental science.
Assessment: 45% Practicals 45% Tests 10% Coursework
- Measuring the Marine EnvironmentCore20 credits
Module details
Learn how marine scientists collect, analyse and present environmental data. You'll work with a range of marine data sets and develop data-handling, visualisation and interpretation skills. This module establishes a strong foundation for later analytical modules in marine science.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Mapping the Marine EnvironmentCore20 credits
Module details
Develop essential field survey and mapping skills for marine environments. You'll gather primary data on land and at sea, upload them to specialised software and produce clear visualisations. Through this applied experience, you'll strengthen your understanding of marine survey techniques, data analysis and scientific reporting.
Assessment: 80% Coursework 20% Practicals
- Exploration and Geomorphology of the OceansCore20 credits
Module details
Explore how scientists investigate and map the seafloor using optical and acoustic techniques. You'll study geodesy, measurement methods and key geomorphological features of the marine environment. Practical exercises and computer based sessions help you develop the analytical skills needed for modern ocean exploration.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine EcosystemsCore20 credits
Module details
Discover the incredible diversity of marine life and learn how species are classified, named and studied. You'll explore where different organisms live, how they interact within ecosystems and how processes such as primary production and food webs shape marine environments. This module builds a strong foundation in marine biodiversity and ecology.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 1Core
Module details
This module supports your early development as a marine scientist by timetabling key skill-building activities. You'll develop essential Level 4 field, lab and data-handling abilities that underpin later modules, helping you build confidence and capability from the start of your degree.
- OceanographyCore
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.
Year 2 10 modules
- Global Ocean ProcessesCore20 credits
Module details
Examine the oceanographic processes that structure the global ocean and how they're impacted by climate change. You'll study how changes in currents and water properties at different scales affect marine organisms, food webs and biogeochemical cycling. This module develops a deep understanding of the physical, biological and chemical drivers of ocean function.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Monitoring the Marine EnvironmentCore20 credits
Module details
Learn how marine environmental data sets are collected, evaluated and interpreted. You'll explore the full range of secondary data sources and practise time series analysis techniques. This module provides vital skills for understanding environmental conditions and informs decision making in marine research, management and policy.
Assessment: 60% Practicals 40% Coursework
- Waves, Tides and Coastal DynamicsCore20 credits
Module details
Study how waves and tides form, interact with coastlines and drive sediment movement. You'll examine coastal processes such as erosion and accretion and learn to apply physical principles to real coastal settings. This module provides a strong foundation for understanding and predicting coastal change in a dynamic environment.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Researching the Marine EnvironmentCore20 credits
Module details
Develop the skills needed to plan and carry out marine field studies. You'll design an independent research project, learn practical techniques for equipment deployment and recovery, and analyse field data. This module builds confidence in scientific planning, problem solving and hands-on research, essential for marine science careers.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 2Core
Module details
Strengthen your marine science skills in Stage 2 through coordinated activities that support your Level 5 modules. You'll refine field, laboratory and analytical competencies, enabling you to take on more advanced research and coursework with confidence.
- Seafloor MappingOptional20 credits
Module details
Discover how sound is used to map the seafloor and explore the principles of underwater acoustics. You'll learn about sonar systems, sound propagation and the techniques used to generate accurate seafloor maps. This module offers a practical introduction to hydrographic surveying and marine mapping technologies.
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
- 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
- Weather, Climate and MeteorologyOptional20 credits
Module details
What drives our weather and shapes our climate? Dive into the physics of the atmosphere, from thermodynamics to global circulation. You will analyse real meteorological and satellite data to understand weather systems and forecasting. By mastering these physical principles, you will uncover the scientific evidence behind climate variability and the critical role of meteorology in a sustainable future.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Remotely delivered assessments
- Remote Sensing of the EnvironmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Learn how remote sensing technologies, from satellites to drones, are used to study terrestrial and marine environments. You'll develop skills in analysing and applying remote sensing data using industry standard software and explore how these tools help solve real world environmental challenges.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Tests
Optional placement year 1 modules
- Ocean Science PlacementOptional
Module details
Spend up to 48 weeks gaining real-world experience in a professional ocean science 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 ocean science
Final year 7 modules
- Ocean DynamicsCore20 credits
Module details
Investigate large and mesoscale ocean circulation, including geostrophic currents, eddies and exchanges between shelf and deep seas. You'll develop quantitative skills for analysing field data to interpret and understand the physical processes driving large scale ocean flows. This module provides a strong foundation in dynamic oceanography.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Coastal Geomorphology and EstuariesCore20 credits
Module details
Explore how different coastal landforms develop and change over time. You'll study geomorphological archetypes, examine how waves, tides and sediment shape coastlines, and analyse how human activities interact with natural processes. This module strengthens your ability to interpret dynamic coastal environments and understand their ecological and societal importance.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Examinations
- 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
- Marine Science Student Support Stage 4Core
Module details
Prepare for graduation and future marine science roles by refining your advanced skills during Stage 4. This module supports high-level development across fieldwork, lab techniques, data analysis and transferable skills, ensuring you are ready for professional or academic careers in marine science.
- Coastal SurveyOptional20 credits
Module details
Learn how environmental legislation, ethics and field techniques are combined in coastal surveying. You'll practise data collection methods and apply them to real coastal settings while considering sustainability and archaeological elements. This module builds practical, analytical and evaluative skills essential for coastal science professionals.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Examinations
- Marine Science Field Course (UK)Optional20 credits
Module details
Take part in an intensive UK based field research course where you'll plan and conduct group fieldwork on a chosen marine science theme. You'll address challenges such as safety, weather and experimental design, and analyse real field data. This module deepens your confidence and competence in marine research practice.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals
- Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field CourseOptional20 credits
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
This degree combines an interdisciplinary core in ocean science with opportunities to specialise in applied projects and independent research. You'll usually progress from foundational concepts and data literacy in your first year, through intermediate modules that connect the programme's main strands in year two. In your second and third years, you'll undertake applied projects, access optional modules across the university, and build depth in specialist areas of your choice, such as interdisciplinary research and professional skills development. Your final year culminates in independent research or a capstone project that draws together the themes of your degree. Throughout, you'll develop practical competence with evidence and digital tools alongside your subject knowledge.
Who it's for
You're drawn to the ocean and curious about how it works, its physics, chemistry, biology, and geology. You're comfortable with quantitative science and enjoy practical fieldwork as much as classroom learning. You're the kind of person who wants to understand systems, spot patterns in data, and see the direct application of your studies. This course will feel immersive and hands-on rather than purely theoretical; you'll spend time working in the marine environment itself, not just reading about it. You're motivated by environmental questions and keen to develop skills employers and research institutions value.
Careers & job market
Across General Studies degrees nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically fall between £24,000 and £30,000 nationally; after five years, this range widens to £25,075–£35,400. Specific career destinations depend on your specialism and interests, but Ocean Science graduates work in environmental consultancy, government agencies, marine conservation, research institutes, and related fields. These are national figures from the Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes surveys, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) in Ocean Science is studied full-time at the University of Plymouth Campus over 3 years, with instruction in English. The University of Plymouth is a UK degree-awarding body, and this degree is nationally recognised. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
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 | 92% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| a Baccalaureate | 2% |
| an Access course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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 General Studies 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 | £27,000 | £23,000 – £32,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £24,500 | £20,000 – £29,000 | 150 |
| 5 years after | £30,500 | £26,500 – £36,500 | 175 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 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 General Studies nationally
National figures for General Studies 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: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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 General Studies courses at the same study level.
Compared with 207 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.
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction ProfessionalsSOC 2020 245 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,972
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
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: 80; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How General Studies 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 General Studies 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
- Employers across sectors
- Public sector
- Corporates & charities
- Startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit General Studies graduates.
General PractitionerMatchMedicsGeneral ManagerParkside RecruitmentGeneral ManagerThe Management Recruitment Group (MRG)General ManagerBite TalentGeneral ForemanCONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITEDGeneral PractitionerFlexzo AiIs 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 85.9% · in work or study 85% · continued 89%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
Combined and general studies 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 General Studies 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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