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.ukfor 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 .

A level applicants
48-64 points from a minimum of 2 A levels, including D in Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects. Qualifying relevant science subjects are: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Health and Social Care, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, or Use of Maths. General Studies is excluded. Points can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include 2 A levels.

International Baccalaureate
24 overall, to include Higher Level 4 in Biology
English and Maths are accepted within as GCSE equivalent at Higher Level Grade 4 or Standard Level Grade 5.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma / QCF Extended Diploma
A typical offer would be MPP, depending on the BTEC and units studied. Please include details of units in your UCAS application or contact Admissions for further advice.

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 course
Science related Access Diplomas are considered.

T level
Pass in the Science pathway

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.

International qualifications
We welcome applicants offering a wide range of international qualifications. Applications are considered on an individual basis, depending on the subjects studied.

Other qualifications
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 programme 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/4 at GCSE level). Please contact us to discuss your options.

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