School of Biological and Marine Sciences

BSc (Hons) Oceanography and Coastal Processes

Are you motivated by a desire to understand processes in the world’s oceans that drive phenomena such as ocean circulation, ocean acidification, sea-level rise or coastal erosion? If so, this course prepares you for a career in applied oceanography, coastal zone management or scientific research. You’ll develop the practical skills needed to collect and analyse data from the marine environment alongside an advanced understanding of ocean dynamics and processes contributing to shoreline change.

You will participate in practical activities during field work in Plymouth Sound, and further afield during the residential field week. You’ll benefit from access to a range of high specification oceanographic instrumentation that you will be trained to independently prepare, deploy and recover. You’ll pursue optional subjects that interest you most.

Secure your place this September

Clearing is another opportunity for you to secure your place at the University of Plymouth this September.

Contact our Clearing call centre: 0333 241 6929

If you’re worried about your results or you’d like to chat about your options, our friendly team is there to answer your questions.

Learn more about Clearing

Key features
  • Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • Participate in practical activities during field work in Plymouth Sound, and further afield during the residential field week.
  • Benefit from access to a range of high specification oceanographic instrumentation that you will be trained to independently prepare, deploy and recover.
  • Pursue optional subjects that interest you most from a range including meteorology, remote sensing, marine conservation, hydrographic surveying, modelling ocean processes and marine pollution.
  • Progress into work in oceanographic research and consultancy, coastal zone management and related marine-science industries such as the emerging field of marine renewable energy.
  • Develop your range of practical skills with our own fully-equipped fleet of boats, a new £4.65 million Marine Station used as a base for fieldwork afloat and industry-standard oceanographic and surveying equipment.
  • Choose to take the industry-recognised professional diving qualification (HSE Professional SCUBA) alongside your degree and an optional scientific diving module to provide training and qualification for diving-based research projects and employment (limited places and additional costs apply).
  • Experience an overseas field course that integrates ocean science knowledge and understanding from across the different sub-disciplines to address real-world issues.
Course details
  • Year 1

  • Your first year, shared across the Marine Science Undergraduate Scheme, introduces the full range of topics within the degree and develops your underpinning scientific knowledge and practical skills. You’ll develop your understanding of the Earth’s oceans and the key physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in these systems. You’ll build practical skills and enhance your ability to analyse, present and interpret scientific data through field-based activities.

    Core modules

    • Introduction to Ocean Science (OS101)

      This module provides an introduction to the breadth and importance of the field of ocean science and aims to develop skills in scientific enquiry and communication.

    • Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean (OS102)

      This module provides an introduction to the main physical and chemical processes occurring in the world's oceans and a foundation in key aspects of underpinning science and mathematics.

    • Measuring the Marine Environment (OS104)

      This module will introduce stage one students to the basic skills required to collect, analyse, visualise and present marine data. The module has a focus on the collection and analysis of a variety of marine data sources.

    • Mapping the Marine Environment (OS105)

      This module will introduce and help students to develop skills in field survey techniques, collation of data within software and presenting results. A range of primary data will be gathered in the field, both on land & at sea and be uploaded into software for visualisation. The assessment will address techniques, analysis and reporting.

    • Exploration and Geomorphology of the Oceans (OS108)

      This module introduces students to the scope of ocean exploration and hydrography with application in a variety of marine disciplines. It covers key concepts of geodesy, optical and acoustic measurement techniques to explore underwater and geomorphological characteristics of the marine environment. Material will be explored by theory lectures, supported by practical exercises and computer laboratory practicals.

    • Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems (OS109)

      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.

  • Year 2

  • In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of the core aspects of physical, chemical and biological oceanography as well as beginning to focus on the physical processes that shape the open ocean and coastal environments. You’ll receive advanced training in the preparation, programming, deployment, recovery and maintenance of instrumentation and develop a proposal for your final year research project. You’ll also be able to broaden your interests into areas such as meteorology, remote sensing and scientific diving.

    Core modules

    • Global Ocean Processes (OS201)

      This module explores the large-scale distribution and characteristics of water masses and biogeochemical properties throughout the global oceans. Physical mechanisms that drive the global circulation in a changing climate will be investigated alongside their role in determining the transport of chemical constituents throughout the open ocean and in shelf seas. The life cycles and distribution of marine organisms and the structuring of marine foodwebs will be explored.

    • Monitoring the Marine Environment (OS202)

      Monitoring of the marine environment provides data that underpins research, exploitation, management and policy development. Through this module, students will learn about the practicalities of reliable data collection, be introduced to the full breadth of secondary data sources from across the subject area and develop associated skills in time-series data analysis techniques and interpretation.

    • Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics (OS204)

      This module provides an introduction to the characteristics of ocean waves and focuses on how waves and tides interact with the coast and drive the coastal processes that result in shoreline erosion and accretion.

    • Researching the Marine Environment (OS206)

      This module will provide fundamental skills in developing research projects and planning and executing field studies with minimal supervision. Students will identify and plan an independent research project. They will be introduced to safety and practical issues before being trained in relevant techniques and instrument programming. They will participate in instrument deployment and recovery and analyse the data acquired.

    Optional modules

    • Seafloor Mapping (OS203)

      This module introduces techniques for mapping the seafloor with an emphasis on the nature, propagation and application of sound underwater for sonar surveys.

    • Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment (OS205)

      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.

    • Scientific Diving (OS207)

      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.

    • Meteorology (OS208)

      This module provides an introduction to the main physical processes occurring in the atmosphere on a range of spatial and temporal scales, with particular emphasis on meteorology relevant to the UK. Meteorological observations and/or measurements will be used to explore the occurrence of a specific meteorological phenomenon (e.g., frontal weather, cloud development, atmospheric flow, extra-tropical cyclone).

    • Marine Remote Sensing (OS209)

      This module introduces the theory underlying remote sensing using introductory lectures and laboratory practicals. An opportunity to apply the theory in the remote sensing context is provided by boat and computing work. Remote sensing imagery is introduced early in the module and students work on image enhancement, analysis and interpretation in the latter part of the course, supported by theory lectures and/or workshops.

  • Optional placement year

  • Gain relevant industrial or workplace experience with the Ocean Science placement.

    Core modules

    • Ocean Science Placement (BPIE338)

      A period of professional training (minimum 26 weeks) spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial or workplace experience, to apply knowledge from the first two stages of study and to prepare for employment after graduation.

  • Final year

  • During your final year, you’ll complete your core training in advanced aspects of ocean dynamics and coastal processes and participate in a residential field trip where you’ll use and develop your practical skills. A large proportion of your time will be spent completing your individual research project for which you will be given guidance by a member of academic staff. You’ll also be able to pursue an option module, for example to explore ocean modelling, climate science or marine pollution.

    Core modules

    • Ocean Dynamics (OS303)

      The module provides an introduction to dynamical oceanography with emphasis on the large- and meso-scale circulation in the world ocean and shelf seas. Topics include geostrophic and wind driven currents, eddies, formation of fronts, upwelling, interactions between water masses, exchanges between shelf and deep seas. Emphasis is placed on quantitative understanding of physical processes and the analysis of field data.

    • Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries (OS306)

      A study of the different geomorphological archetypes of the coastal zone which builds on the student's knowledge of physical processes to describe how the geographical characteristics of these zones develop. The module explores how the characteristics of these zones influence the associated ecosystems and examines how human utilisation of this space contributes to or conflicts with the natural setting.

    • SoBMS Project (PROJ302)

      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.

    Optional modules

    • Coastal Survey (OS305)

      This module provides issues relevant to a fuller understanding of variables and actions in the marine environment, including environmental legislation and ethics, data collection techniques, its analysis and assessment in compliance with the sustainable future vision. The module includes elements of fieldwork for data acquisition and archaeology.

    • Marine Pollution and Environmental Change (OS309)

      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.

    • Marine Science Field Course (UK) (OS312)

      This module provides an opportunity to consolidate field skills and marine science knowledge through an intensive field research course. Students will work in groups to plan and conduct fieldwork to explore a chosen marine science theme. Factors including safety, weather, and experimental design will be addressed.

    • Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field Course (OS313)

      This module provides an opportunity to consolidate field skills and marine science knowledge through an intensive field research course. Students will work in groups to plan and conduct fieldwork to explore a chosen marine science theme. Factors including safety, weather, and experimental design will be addressed.

    • Oceanography, Coastal Processes and Surveying Field Course (OS314)

      This module provides an opportunity to consolidate field skills and marine science knowledge through an intensive field research course. Students will work in groups to plan and conduct fieldwork to explore a chosen marine science theme. Factors including safety, weather, and experimental design will be addressed.

    • Modelling Ocean and Climate Processes (OS315)

      This module introduces students to the key concepts of oceanic and climate processes, and their practical implementation in simple and advanced models. The module covers introductory material on the theory of ocean dynamics, climate processes, and fundamental principles used in their modelling. Computational numerical methods is an important element. The focus of the module is on the construction and operation of models to predict the ocean and climate, and critical analysis of the model output.

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 Oceanography And Coastal Processes programme specification 5172

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

112-128

A level:112 -128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, including Grade C in at least one relevant science subject: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics. Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics. Excluding General Studies.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM - DDM in a relevant science 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.
Pass Access(Science), (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C or above or equivalent) with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction in science. If not science related Access please contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
T level: Merit – any 3 science pathways, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above.
International Baccalaureate: 28 - 30 points overall to include at least one relevant science subject.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary
Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £16,300 £18,100
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 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 2023/2024 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

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.
Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.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."

BSc (Hons) Oceanography and Coastal Processes focuses primarily on the physical processes that govern ocean circulation from a global scale all the way down to millimetre-scale turbulence, the impact of the ocean on climate and the marine life living within it, and the coastal processes that are so important to modern society within which communities are often located adjacent to increasingly stormy seas.

The course will develop not only your fundamental knowledge of this environment and the processes occurring within it, but also your skills in using the tools necessary for observing and understanding them. This includes the instrumentation used to measure water properties and currents, the computer software required to analyse the data obtained from the instruments, and research skills that will enable you go on and operate independently in the marine environment throughout your career. We’ll support you throughout the course as you develop these skills, and provide you with the access to our outstanding facilities so that you can have the time you need to learn.

South Africa residential field trip

Harry Green, went on a residential field week to Port Elizabeth, South Africa as part of an optional module in his third year.

"Travelling to South Africa to study as part of my degree was a not a chance to miss. The opportunity to collect data for my own dissertation as well as working with another university was amazing. 

Who wouldn't want to go to study in the sun in an national park and on a beach in South Africa with no one around for miles? 

That's how field work should be done!"

Isles of Scilly

Research on seamounts in the Indian Ocean

Dr Phil Hosegood has recently led a team of Plymouth marine scientists on three research cruises to the Chagos Archipelago to investigate how the oceanographic environment shapes the marine ecosystem.

Training the next generation of oceanographers

During the final four weeks of their second year, students become immersed in an intensive module during which they hone their practical skills at sea and take a leading role in running fieldwork with an emphasis on enhancing their employability.
A key element of this is a collaborative training session with Nortek, leading developers of acoustic current meters, who visit for two days.
Marine science newsletter front cover issue 10: marine science students preparing to measure surf zone currents and waves at Sunday’s River beach in South Africa.

Learn from experts

Maldives research

Physical oceanographic processes strongly influence the behaviour of animals living within the marine environment. 

In this video, Dr Phil Hosegood explains how ocean currents influence manta ray foraging in Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives where some of the world’s largest manta aggregations are observed. Phil also explains the instrumentation he used during the research, which was limited to working from a small boat and deploying kit by hand due to the conservation status of Hanifaru Bay.

HSE Professional SCUBA diving course

Plymouth is unique in offering our students the opportunity to gain the HSE Professional SCUBA certification alongside their degree. The course is an intensive four week full-time programme designed to prepare candidates for undertaking media, scientific and archaeological diving projects. If you are looking to do any underwater work in the UK and be paid, you will require a HSE qualification. The Professional SCUBA course is the minimum requirement if you wish to work on scientific, archaeological or media diving projects. Please note that places on the course are offered subject to availability.

Learn more about the HSE Professional SCUBA diving course


Diving in Plymouth Sound

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

Graduate insight

“What I love about my career is that there isn’t a typical weekday. One week I can be out surveying beaches, the next quality checking data, followed by researching new innovative ideas.”
After graduating from BSc (Hons) Oceanography and Coastal Processes, Miranda Soskin now works as a Coastal Processes Scientist with Plymouth Coastal Observatory.
Miranda Soskin, BSc (Hons Oceanography and Coastal Processes graduate
Paul Aldersley

Paul Aldersley – BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration graduate

The University is large, well-resourced, and a pleasant place to study. With regards to marine science, the facilities, equipment, and fleet are without comparison anywhere in the country.
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uniis updated annually in September.