SRRDG explore the programme Plymouth Hoe
Marine students on a University research vessel
Being part of the buzz (and splash) in Plymouth: Over 1,000 students on marine-related courses
Deborah Greaves
Soaking up our experts' knowledge and becoming the next passionate generation

Plymouth boasts one of the most prestigious clusters of marine teaching, research and educational organisations in Europe

Some 3,000 marine staff, researchers and students are represented by the University’s Marine Institute which is the first and largest such institute in the UK. Plymouth’s strength in marine is further reinforced by our partners across the city.

The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the UK National Marine Aquarium are all within walking distance of the University. These and our many other partners across the globe work with us on our research, by providing excellent student placement opportunities and a diverse range of career options for our graduates.

City officials have committed to designating the seas around Plymouth as the UK’s first National Marine Park - a catalyst to change the relationship between the citizens of coastal cities and their marine surroundings.

The University of Plymouth's research vessel, Falcon Spirit
Getty images plastic in the water black and white with MadeAtUni brand
Davis Laundon

Epic voyages of legacy and discovery

In August and September 2020, scientists from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences joined an ambitious round Britain voyage. Coordinated by UK-based charity Darwin200, the tall ship Pelican of London set sail from Folkestone and visited the major ports of the British Isles before arriving in London almost seven weeks later.

Dr Charlotte Braungardt and Dr Richard Sandford led a range of scientific experiments in fields including marine plastics, ocean chemistry, plankton, marine ecology and ocean processes. This voyage is a precursor to the global Darwin200 expedition in 2021, which will harness the legacy of Charles Darwin by retracing his journey on board HMS Beagle.

Find out more about about Dr Braungardt and Dr Sandford's research

Pelican - Alan Stewart
To celebrate the maiden voyage of our newest boat Wavedancer, we sent her out in style with the University of Plymouth fleet in formation behind her. Wavedancer is a 11m (36ft)South Cat  Catamaran. The boats were out with students monitoring plastic pollution in Plymouth Sound.
Photo credit: Alex Nimmo Smith

Where the land ends the science starts 

Our new ⁦‪@PlymUni‬⁩ Vessel 'Wavedancer' took ⁦‪@MarineSciPlym‬⁩ students to sea for the very first time. She is everything I hoped she would be and more.
Where the land ends the science starts courtesy of our diverse and very capable fleet..... pic.twitter.com/77WHdZcbzT
Sean Marshall (@plymskipper)