School of Biological and Marine Sciences

BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year

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.

Careers with this subject

What can you do with an ocean science and exploration degree?

Key features

  • Study the physical, biological, chemical and mathematical principles that underpin the marine sciences.
  • Build your confidence as an independent learner as you develop research, analytical and scientific reporting skills throughout the year.
  • Learn about current issues in marine sciences from research-active staff who are passionate about their subjects.
  • Subject to successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0), choose from progression routes that will help you gain a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science with options to develop specialist skills in marine conservation, oceanography or hydrography.

  • Experience the university life right from the start, being taught by staff who teach on the degree courses.

  • Practical sessions are held in our well-appointed laboratories.

  • Excellent mathematics support via SUM: UP drop-in centre.

  • The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • During the foundation year, we introduce the fundamental physical, chemical, biological and mathematical concepts needed for further study in the marine sciences and provide a flavour of current research topics in the ocean sciences.

    Core modules

    • Biology 1 (BIO012)

      This module introduces students to the study of biology and its fundamental importance as a cornerstone of modern science. No prior knowledge is required or assumed. The emphasis is on understanding some of the core principles of biology, and applying these across the breadth of the subject. To ensure that key practical skills are developed, the module will incorporate many hands-on learning experiences.

    • Chemistry 1 (CHM009)

      This module introduces students into the world of chemistry and its fundamental importance as a cornerstone of science. No prior knowledge of science is required and the emphasis is on applying the principals of chemistry across a wide subject area, with many hands-on learning experiences.

    • Study and Mathematical Skills for Science (GEES001)

      This module is designed to 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.

    • Mathematics and Statistics for Science (MATH019)

      This module provides the basic mathematical background to enable learners to progress to honours degree programmes in science.

    • Issues in Marine Sciences (OS001)

      This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Marine Science. The module takes an investigative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Marine Science can be approached and resolved, and to develop in students the skills needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

    Optional modules

    • Biology 2 (BIO013)

      This module builds on the core ideas introduced in BIO012, introducing a range of additional biological concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in biology, including many hands-on learning experiences to ensure that key practical skills are developed.

    • Chemistry 2 (CHM010)

      This module is designed to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills inculcated in CHM009 and to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of organic Chemistry at a level sufficient for entry to the degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering, including the Chemistry Degree programmes.

  • Progression routes

  • Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress onto Year 1 from one of the following four undergraduate degrees. Our degrees are built around experiential learning using our fleet of research vessels and coastal marine station.


Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year Programme Specification September 2023 6588

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.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

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. Excluding General Studies.

BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma PPP in a science related subject. 12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma 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.uk for further advice.

T level: Pass – Science pathway, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 1 subject from science such as biology/human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. English and mathematics must be included.

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.

English language requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
New Student 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £14,600 £16,300
Part time (Home) £770 £770
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.

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, equipment and graduation costs.

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.

Ocean science - week 2

Jordan Elliot-Murray (first year) - BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation - tells us about her first few weeks studying within the subject area of ocean science with the University of Plymouth. 

"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

Boasting lecture facilities overlooking the sea, a wet lab for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, and field equipment storage and changing facilities.
The Marine Station is a landmark £5 million development; a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility on the shores of Plymouth Sound.
 
<p>Marine Station</p>

People

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