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School of Biological and Marine Sciences

BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year

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UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F735
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

Expand your knowledge of the oceans with the BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year. During this new four-year degree route you will explore the diverse range of open ocean, coastal, hydrographic and conservation specialisations this course offers. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level or if you have been out of formal education for some time, this course is for you.

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.

Progression opportunities

From this course, you can progress onto:

A course with a foundation year is for you if…

  • You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
  • You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

Key features
  • This isn’t a detour – it’s the start of your higher education journey. This foundation year is an integrated part of a marine biology degree at the University of Plymouth. On successful completion, and subject to meeting the automatic progression criteria, you will progress directly onto Year 1 of your chosen degree pathway without needing to reapply through UCAS. With historical progression rates consistently exceeding 85%, the vast majority of students advance confidently into undergraduate study.
  • You will benefit from over 25 years of expertise in science foundation courses at the University of Plymouth – courses that have consistently prepared students to succeed at degree level and beyond.
  • The University of Plymouth is ranked in the top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023 – a reflection of our international reputation for excellence in marine education and research. This ranking specifically applies to our Ocean Science pathways.
  • Get to know the people behind the science! You'll meet a wide range of lecturers from biology, marine biology, and ocean science and be introduced to cutting-edge research and current debates in the field, laying the groundwork for future specialisation.
  • Think of this as your academic launchpad. While A-levels and Access courses get you through the door, this foundation year gets you ready to thrive. You'll master the skills needed to study at degree level from the very start – giving you the confidence, experience, and edge to hit the ground running when your degree begins.
  • Your foundation year is eligible for standard undergraduate tuition fee loans through Student Finance. No upfront payment is required, making it a financially accessible route into higher education.
  • Teaching is delivered at the University of Plymouth's main campus by the same academic staff who teach on our undergraduate degree programmes. You will not be based at a satellite site or tertiary college, ensuring full integration into the university learning environment.
  • From the very beginning of your foundation year, you will have full access to the University experience – including participation in Welcome Week activities, comprehensive library and IT services, and the full suite of academic and pastoral support to ensure your success.
  • Through tutorials and discussion sessions, we will support you in identifying the most suitable progression pathway aligned with your interests and aspirations.
  • The foundation year forms an integrated component of the extended degree programme. While it does not confer a separate qualification, successful completion and achievement of the required progression criteria enables direct progression to Year 1 of your undergraduate degree.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • This foundation year combines subject-specific learning in biology with core scientific skills in mathematics, statistics, and chemistry – providing the essential preparation for studying science at degree level. Alongside this, you’ll learn how to study at university level – gaining the academic skills, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in your chosen degree and take your first steps towards a career as a science professional.
    Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, with access to personal tutor as well as wider university support services. These include the SUM:UP service for mathematics and statistics, the Charles Seale-Hayne Library , and the Learning Development team. Our support is designed to be flexible and responsive, recognising that students may require different types and levels of guidance throughout their studies.

    Core modules

    FYM001
    Becoming a Successful Global Scientist 30 credits

    This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    FYM003
    Introduction to Our Natural World 30 credits

    This module introduces students to the study of natural sciences and their fundamental importance as cornerstones of modern science. No prior knowledge is required or assumed. Emphasis is placed on building knowledge and understanding of core principles, in the context of a range of key contemporary issues. Hands-on learning experiences are included to support the development of practical skills.

    50% Examinations

    50% Tests

    FYM005
    Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World 30 credits

    This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester, introducing a range of additional biological and marine concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in biology.

    50% Examinations

    50% Tests

    FYM006
    Sustainable Development Project 30 credits

    This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

  • Progression routes

  • Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress onto Year 1 of one of the following three undergraduate degrees. Our degrees are built around experiential learning using our fleet of research vessels and coastal marine station.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

The foundation year is intended for highly motivated students who wish to study the marine sciences, but who do not yet meet the usual criteria for entry to the first year of our honours degree courses.
A level: 32-48 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, including at least one pass in a relevant science subject: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma PPP in a science-related subject. MP in a science-related subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access: pass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukfor further advice.
T level: Pass – Science pathway, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above.
International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include a grade 3 in a Higher Level science subject.
GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at Level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level).
Please contact us to inquire about your suitability for admission.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Being more captivated by the vastness of the oceans and their processes than the anatomical and biological study of marine life, I knew that my academic thirst would be quenched by an ocean science degree. It’s only our second week in Plymouth, and we’re already on the boats; we’re already in the Marine Station; we’re already having a fantastic time using all of the equipment.

Marine Station

Our students have access to the Marine Station, a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that serves all our marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology.
Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of our ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment, a wet lab for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, field equipment storage and changing facilities. It is also the base for our research vessels and a centre of excellence for diving.
Marine Station

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*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.