School of Biological and Marine Sciences

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 48 - 64 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code C168
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Do you have a passion to study marine biology, but lack the normal entry requirements for one of our honours degrees? Perhaps you've shown evidence of good academic potential, but don’t have sufficient qualifications or have been out of formal education for a while. This new four year degree route incorporates a foundation year, which has developed from our extended science course giving you the study skills and scientific underpinning to continue the remainder of the course with confidence.

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.

Progression opportunities

From this course, you can progress onto:

A course with a foundation year is for you if…

  • You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
  • You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

Key features
  • This isn’t a detour – it’s the start of your higher education journey. This foundation year is an integrated part of a marine biology degree at the University of Plymouth. On successful completion, and subject to meeting the automatic progression criteria, you will progress directly onto Year 1 of your chosen degree pathway without needing to reapply through UCAS. With historical progression rates consistently exceeding 85%, the vast majority of students advance confidently into undergraduate study.
  • You will benefit from over 25 years of expertise in science foundation courses at the University of Plymouth – courses that have consistently prepared students to succeed at degree level and beyond.
  • The University of Plymouth is ranked in the top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023 – a reflection of our international reputation for excellence in marine education and research. This ranking specifically applies to our Marine Biology pathways.
  • Get to know the people behind the science! You'll meet a wide range of lecturers from biology, marine biology, and ocean science and be introduced to cutting-edge research and current debates in the field, laying the groundwork for future specialisation.
  • Think of this as your academic launchpad. While A-levels and Access courses get you through the door, this foundation year gets you ready to thrive. You'll master the skills needed to study at degree level from the very start – giving you the confidence, experience, and edge to hit the ground running when your degree begins.
  • Your foundation year is eligible for standard undergraduate tuition fee loans through Student Finance. No upfront payment is required, making it a financially accessible route into higher education.
  • Teaching is delivered at the University of Plymouth's main campus by the same academic staff who teach on our undergraduate degree programmes. You will not be based at a satellite site or tertiary college, ensuring full integration into the university learning environment.
  • From the very beginning of your foundation year, you will have full access to the University experience – including participation in Welcome Week activities, comprehensive library and IT services, and the full suite of academic and pastoral support to ensure your success.
  • Through tutorials and discussion sessions, we will support you in identifying the most suitable progression pathway aligned with your interests and aspirations.
  • The foundation year forms an integrated component of the extended degree programme. While it does not confer a separate qualification, successful completion and achievement of the required progression criteria enables direct progression to Year 1 of your undergraduate degree.

Course details

  • Foundation Year

  • This foundation year combines subject-specific learning in biology with core scientific skills in mathematics, statistics, and chemistry – providing the essential preparation for studying science at degree level. Alongside this, you’ll learn how to study at university level – gaining the academic skills, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in your chosen degree and take your first steps towards a career as a science professional.
    Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, with access to personal tutor as well as wider university support services. These include the SUM:UP service for mathematics and statistics, the Charles Seale-Hayne Library , and the Learning Development team. Our support is designed to be flexible and responsive, recognising that students may require different types and levels of guidance throughout their studies.

    Core modules

    FYM001
    Becoming a Successful Global Scientist 30 credits

    This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    FYM003
    Introduction to Our Natural World 30 credits

    This module introduces students to the study of natural sciences and their fundamental importance as cornerstones of modern science. No prior knowledge is required or assumed. Emphasis is placed on building knowledge and understanding of core principles, in the context of a range of key contemporary issues. Hands-on learning experiences are included to support the development of practical skills.

    50% Examinations

    50% Tests

    FYM005
    Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World 30 credits

    This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester, introducing a range of additional biological and marine concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in biology.

    50% Examinations

    50% Tests

    FYM006
    Sustainable Development Project 30 credits

    This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

  • Progression routes

  • Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress onto Year 1 of one of the following three undergraduate degrees.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

48 - 64

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

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 .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Our features

Marine Station

Marine Station

Falcon

Marine biology facilities

Silhouette of a group of people listening to a lecture. Mind Map 

Marine biology research and collaboration

 

Location

Plymouth: the place to be for marine biology.
We’re lucky to have an incredibly diverse range of rich coastal habitats around the Devon and Cornwall coastline.
Aerial view of Plymouth Sound
 

HSE Professional SCUBA diving course

Plymouth is unique in offering our students the opportunity to gain the HSE Professional SCUBA certification alongside their degree. The course is an intensive four week full-time programme designed to prepare candidates for undertaking media, scientific and archaeological diving projects. If you are looking to do any underwater work in the UK and be paid, you will require a HSE qualification. The Professional SCUBA course is the minimum requirement if you wish to work on scientific, archaeological or media diving projects. Please note that places on the course are offered subject to availability.
Diving in Plymouth Sound
 

Be inspired by our graduates

Dimitrios Kaloudis

Dimitrios Kaloudis

Terri Souster sitting in the snow

Terri Souster

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Tom Gibson

Olivia Durkin

Olivia Durkin

Victoria Sleight

Victoria Sleight

University of Plymouth alumni student, Will Ashworth

William Ashworth

 

People

 
 

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories, workshops, and the field.
 
 
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.