A unique marine environment
Maximum career impact
Strong industry links and opportunities
Details
Year 1
Core modules
BIOL132
Ecology and the Diversity of Life
20 credits
Discover the principles guiding ecological systems and the immense diversity of life on Earth. You’ll investigate ecological patterns, evolutionary relationships and the processes that sustain natural communities. By exploring how biodiversity is studied and protected, you’ll gain a clear understanding of ecology’s central role in conservation and sustainable management.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI100
Introduction to Conservation Science
20 credits
Begin your conservation journey with hands-on field experiences that introduce species identification, ecosystem analysis and modern data-collection tools. You’ll develop skills in teamwork, communication and statistical analysis while exploring how conservation science applies to both marine and terrestrial environments.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
CONSCI101
Exploring Nature Conservation
20 credits
Trace the evolution of conservation thinking from early protectionist philosophies to modern approaches that recognise the deep connections between people and nature. Through case studies and critical evaluation, you’ll explore interventions, assess their effectiveness and develop a broad interdisciplinary understanding of current conservation challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
CONSCI102
Spatial Ecology and GIS
20 credits
Trace the evolution of conservation thinking from early protectionist philosophies to modern approaches that recognise the deep connections between people and nature. Through case studies and critical evaluation, you’ll explore interventions, assess their effectiveness and develop a broad interdisciplinary understanding of current conservation challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS109
Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to biodiversity with particular focus on marine organisms. Students will be taught how we name and classify species using a hierarchical system. Students will learn where different organisms live and how they interact in various ecosystems in our oceans. Students will gain a basic understanding of food webs, primary production and marine ecology.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BMSCS01
Conservation Science Student Support Stage 1
Gain structured support as you build foundational conservation science skills in Stage 1. This module helps you develop key laboratory, field and transferable competencies delivered across your core modules, ensuring you begin your degree with confidence and an understanding of essential scientific practices.
OS110
Oceanography
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
Core modules
BIOL204
Principles of Conservation Biology
20 credits
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
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI200
Conservation Research Skills
20 credits
This module equips students with essential skills for conducting conservation surveys in a variety of natural systems. It covers hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection and insight analysis using open source and industry standard software. Students will design, conduct, analyse and present their own field investigation. The module blends lectures, fieldwork, and online workshops.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
CONSCI201
Nature and People: Understanding Socioecological Systems
20 credits
Explore the dynamic interplay between people and nature through the lens of socioecological systems. This interdisciplinary module blends ecology and social science, covering nature/ocean literacy, citizen science, communication, and environmental justice. Students gain practical experience in fieldwork, survey design, and collaborative conservation problem-solving.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
OS205
Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will introduce how human activities (such as fisheries, energy supply and mineral extraction) can impact the marine environment, including through pollution and biodiversity loss. The concepts of marine management and conservation will be introduced and methods of preventing and managing anthropogenic impacts will be introduced and evaluated and their role in marine conservation discussed.
100% Coursework
BMSCS02
Conservation Science Student Support Stage 2
Continue developing essential conservation skills through Stage 2, supported by timetabled activities that track your progress across field, lab and analytical tasks. This module helps consolidate the competencies gained in your Level 5 modules, preparing you for advanced work in ecological and conservation research.
Optional modules
BIOL205
Animal Behaviour
20 credits
Discover why animals behave the way they do by exploring the causes, development, function and evolution of behaviour. You’ll learn scientific methods for studying behaviour and consider how behavioural knowledge supports practical applications, from welfare improvements to conservation. This module equips you with strong analytical and observational skills in behavioural science.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL214
Ecology
20 credits
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.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI202
Marine Conservation Field Course
20 credits
This module provides students with hands-on experience in marine field research, where they conduct individual and group projects in diverse marine environments. Students develop field research, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS207
Scientific Diving
20 credits
This module allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques. These will then be applied in a multi-disciplinary context to the planning, execution, analysis and reporting of a field-based sampling activity.
100% Coursework
OS210
Remote Sensing of the Environment
20 credits
The module provides a grounding in the theory and application of Remote Sensing (RS) of terrestrial and marine environments. Considering scales from global satellite-borne observations to the use of drones, the module provides the theoretical understanding necessary to critically apply RS data to real-world problems. Practical work develops skills with industry-standard software to analyse and apply various RS data.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
Optional placement year
Core modules
APIE303
Biology:Placement
Undertake at least 24 weeks of hands?on professional training with an approved host organisation. During your placement, you’ll apply biological knowledge in real work settings, develop technical and transferable skills, and gain insight into how biological science operates across sectors. This experience helps bridge academic learning with future career ambitions.
Final year
Core modules
OS307
Marine Conservation Policy and Planning
20 credits
This module explores issues surrounding the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. It will develop an understanding of marine governance, including policy frameworks and agencies responsible for implementing marine conservation strategy. Topics include the range of measures and approaches for successful marine conservation and the importance of taking holistic approaches to management, including policy and planning
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
OS304
Marine Ecosystem Conservation
20 credits
From tropical mangroves to temperate pelagic waters, marine ecosystems around the world face a variety of threats due to human activities and resource pressure. This module will examine threats to a range of marine and coastal ecosystems and explore methods for management and conservation. We will explore methods for surveying and monitoring marine ecosystems and learn about the ecological consequences of human impacts.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
BMSCS04
Conservation Science Student Support Stage 4
Refine your advanced conservation skills during Stage 4 with structured support that aligns with your Level 6 modules. You’ll strengthen field and analytical abilities, enhance professional skills and ensure you are fully equipped for graduate-level research, conservation roles or further study.
Optional modules
ANT6008MX
Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the age of climate change and mass extinction.
20 credits
Using ethnography, we analyse how coastal communities use the sea – not only as a source of livelihood, but as a key ingredient in the construction of their identity and place in world. Drawing on a range of cases from across the world – from Polynesian sorcerers, to Japanese whale mourners, to Cornish surfers – we study how coastal communities are responding to climate change, sea level rise, pollution, and extinction.
100% Coursework
BIOL310
Global Change Biology
20 credits
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.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL323
Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
20 credits
Gain hands-on experience collecting and analysing complex behavioural datasets using modern techniques. You will follow a group of animals, quantify individual behaviour and track social interactions, utilising coding to construct a social network. You will also learn to communicate behavioural insights to a variety of audiences, including scientists and the public.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MBIO339
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
20 credits
Marine vertebrates are vulnerable to depletion through over fishing, industrial development, pollution and habitat degradation. This module will examine the ecology of these animals in their natural environments and explore methods for surveying, monitoring and managing populations and species. There is a strong emphasis on current research and hot topics with numerous case studies used throughout the module.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
MBIO363
Fish and Fisheries
20 credits
This module explores the biology of fishes and its application to the science of fisheries management. There is a focus on seminal works and recent advances in the primary literature.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS309
Marine Pollution and Environmental Change
20 credits
This module will consider the sources, transport, sinks and impacts of a wide range of pollutant types (including nutrients, trace elements, sediments, anthropogenic pollutants and carbon dioxide). Practical field techniques will be introduced and used to assess the environmental condition of estuarine waters. Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluating the links between human activities and marine water quality.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
BIOL325
Biodiversity Conservation: Science, Policy and Practice
20 credits
Engage with real conservation case studies from around the world and learn what drives both biodiversity loss and successful restoration. You’ll explore stakeholder interests, ethics, policy influences and community-led approaches to conservation. The module equips you to understand how evidence, policy and on-the-ground action combine to shape modern conservation practice.
100% Coursework
Experience
Take part in research expeditions
BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation students scuba diving in Bali
Experience overseas field work
Marine Station
HSE Professional SCUBA diving course
Navigating the future of marine research
Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach
- Gain a strong scientific foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, conservation and marine ecosystems complimented by analytical skills in marine ecology and spatial marine management and policy.
- Achieve extensive experience of surveying a variety of marine habitats by boat and from the shore in and around the Plymouth Sound Marine Park.
- Explore in depth how human activities impact marine ecosystems, and how our relationships to them can be enhanced to improve outcomes for both people and nature.
- Gain practical experience of deploying management tools utilised by practitioners working within ecology and conservation.
- Create strong external links with local conservation organisations, government organisations and ecological consultancies.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in UK and overseas field courses, and specialist research expeditions.
- Participate in an optional HSE professional diving course and an optional dedicated scientific diving module.
Learn from experts
Dr Thomas Davies
Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Dr Tom LETESSIER
Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Dr Sarah Gall
Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Marine Biology Society
Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Marine Conservation is a growing job sector with high demand for versatile skillsets
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ÆConservation organisations and non-governmental organisations
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ÆGovernment and Regulatory Agencies
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ÆMarine Industry and Sustainable Business
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ÆScience communication and education
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ÆFieldwork and exploration
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ÆResearch and academia
Optional placement year: preparing you for the future
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,790 per year
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
TOTUS student scholarship
Supporting students with the cost of living
Apply
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
BTEC National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
International Baccalaureate
Foundation programme
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
FC71
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
FC71
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day