Marine Biology and Oceanography, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Approximately 70% of our planet is covered by oceans averaging 3,000 meters in depth. This marine biology and oceanography course explores how marine life adapts to extreme environments, the role of currents in animal migrations, and the impacts of climate on ecosystems. Ranked in the top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences, it offers unparalleled experiences through research vessels, field courses in locations like France and Sweden, and access to facilities along the Devon and Cornwall coastlines.Students develop practical skills in marine surveys, species identification, and laboratory work, supported by expert staff and advanced resources such as seawater aquariums and behavioral labs. The program includes options for international placements, research projects, and career-focused training, preparing graduates for roles in conservation and environmental science.

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key biological and oceanographic themes, with topics ranging from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and microbiology. Through a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, laboratory and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll also benefit from intensive field courses, introducing you to the processes of scientific investigation, data collection and analysis. In your second year, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the biology and ecology of marine organisms and chemical and biological oceanography. You will receive hands-on, practical training in marine survey, underwater sampling, and species identification, skills that will be honed during the field course, currently in Sweden, where you will undertake field research in deep water from an ocean-going research vessel. During your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to do a work placement, for six or 12 months. Alternatively you’ll be able to choose a work-based learning module, alongside your studies. Your final year of study provides the opportunity for you to focus on your chosen areas of interest. You’ll conduct an extensive personal research project, applying the skills and methods you've learnt. You’ll also choose from a range of modules driven by the research interests of our staff, again giving you the opportunity to specialise and tailor your work towards your career goals, while studying at the cutting edge of marine biology. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website.