A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent, preferably in a biology, environmental science, zoology, marine biology or agriculture related subject*.

*Students with a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent and other relevant degrees will also be considered on a case by case basis.

If you don’t have any recent formal qualifications, we may accept workplace experience.

If English is not the first language, then evidence of English proficiency is required. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).

For entry to postgraduate level, you should normally possess:

If you are an overseas applicant you can check the comparability of your qualifications with the UK equivalent through UK ENIC, who provide an advisory service. Applicants must have discussed a research topic with a prospective University of Plymouth supervisor in advance, including agreement about possible sources of funding for the project. Find out about our research groups, their members and interests via the School of Biological and Marine Sciences research page before applying. The research group leaders will be happy to answer your questions about potential supervisors and research topics.

Please contact Dr Mick Hanley with any additional queries.

If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you’ll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.