Marine science

We're proud to be one of the primary forces in marine science
Marine science

About us

Our oceans account for over 70 per cent of the Earth's surface: they are as fascinating as they are important, yet they are increasingly vulnerable and we still have a lot still to learn about them. How does oxygen get to the bottom of the oceans? What makes a great surf beach? How can we protect our marine ecosystems for future generations? Explore these questions and many more when you study marine sciences at Plymouth.

Whether you are interested in pure and applied science; field, lab or computer based work; or helping to manage and conserve valuable species and ecosystems, studying marine science at Plymouth will prepare you for a variety of exciting career opportunities.

Postgraduate taught programmes

Introduction to ocean science


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."


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.

Research in the British Indian Ocean Territory

Dr Alex Nimmo Smith and Dr Phil Hosegood have been studying the oceanographic processes that influence foraging behaviour of predators including sharks and manta rays in the British Indian Ocean Territory, the world’s largest no-take Marine Protected Area in the middle of the Indian Ocean.


 

People