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: 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 between 24-30 credits at Distinction depending on subject, the remaining units at Merit or above. 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.

International students – English language requirements

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