School of Biological and Marine Sciences

BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 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 F735
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

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

Expand your knowledge of the oceans with the BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year. During this new four-year degree route you will explore the diverse range of open ocean, coastal, hydrographic and conservation specialisations this course offers. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level or if you have been out of formal education for some time, this course is for you.

Careers with this subject

Key features
  • Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Study the physical, biological, chemical and mathematical principles that underpin the marine sciences.
  • Build your confidence as an independent learner as you develop research, analytical and scientific reporting skills throughout the year.
  • Learn about current issues in marine sciences from research-active staff who are passionate about their subjects.
  • Study under the guidance of a personal academic tutor from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences .
  • Subject to successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0), choose from progression routes that will help you gain a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science with options to develop specialist skills in marine conservation, oceanography or hydrography.
  • Experience the university life right from the start, being taught by staff who teach on the degree courses.
  • Practical sessions are held in our well-appointed laboratories.
  • Excellent mathematics support via SUM: UP drop-in centre.
  • The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • During the foundation year, we introduce the fundamental physical, chemical, biological and mathematical concepts needed for further study in the marine sciences and provide a flavour of current research topics in the ocean sciences.

    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 from one of the following four undergraduate degrees. Our degrees are built around experiential learning using our fleet of research vessels and coastal marine station.

    Core modules

    OS101
    Introduction to Ocean Science 20 credits

    This module provides an introduction to the breadth and importance of the field of ocean science and aims to develop skills in scientific enquiry and communication.

    45% Practicals

    45% Tests

    10% Coursework

    OS102
    Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean 20 credits

    This module provides an introduction to the main physical and chemical processes occurring in the world's oceans and a foundation in key aspects of underpinning science and mathematics.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    OS104
    Measuring the Marine Environment 20 credits

    This module will introduce stage one students to the basic skills required to collect, analyse, visualise and present marine data. The module has a focus on the collection and analysis of a variety of marine data sources.

    100% Coursework

    OS105
    Mapping the Marine Environment 20 credits

    This module will introduce and help students to develop skills in field survey techniques, collation of data within software and presenting results. A range of primary data will be gathered in the field, both on land & at sea and be uploaded into software for visualisation. The assessment will address techniques, analysis and reporting.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    OS108
    Exploration and Geomorphology of the Oceans 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the scope of ocean exploration and hydrography with application in a variety of marine disciplines. It covers key concepts of geodesy, optical and acoustic measurement techniques to explore underwater and geomorphological characteristics of the marine environment. Material will be explored by theory lectures, supported by practical exercises and computer laboratory practicals.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    OS109
    Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems 20 credits

    This module will provide an introduction to biodiversity with particular focus on marine organisms. Students will be taught how we name and classify species using a hierarchical system. Students will learn where different organisms live and how they interact in various ecosystems in our oceans. Students will gain a basic understanding of food webs, primary production and marine ecology.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

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

32 - 48

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

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.
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.

Being more captivated by the vastness of the oceans and their processes than the anatomical and biological study of marine life, I knew that my academic thirst would be quenched by an ocean science degree. It’s only our second week in Plymouth, and we’re already on the boats; we’re already in the Marine Station; we’re already having a fantastic time using all of the equipment.

Marine Station

Our students have access to the Marine Station, a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that serves all our marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology.
Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of our ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment, a wet lab for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, field equipment storage and changing facilities. It is also the base for our research vessels and a centre of excellence for diving.
Marine Station

Marine science newsletters

Browse and download every copy of our quarterly marine science newsletter.

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.