Marine and ocean degree courses, research and education in Britain’s Ocean City
Marine students choose Plymouth for courses related to the sea. Find out why...
Being part of the buzz (and splash) in Plymouth:
Over 1,000 students on marine-related courses
Soaking up our experts' knowledge
and becoming the next passionate generation
Making real impact,
influencing policy across the globe
Plymouth boasts one of the most prestigious clusters of marine teaching, research and educational organisations in Europe
Some 3,000 marine staff, researchers and students are represented by the University’s Marine Institute which is the first and largest such institute in the UK. Plymouth’s strength in marine is further reinforced by our partners across the city.
The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the UK National Marine Aquarium are all within walking distance of the University. These and our many other partners across the globe work with us on our research, by providing excellent student placement opportunities and a diverse range of career options for our graduates.
City officials have committed to designating the seas around Plymouth as the UK’s first National Marine Park - a catalyst to change the relationship between the citizens of coastal cities and their marine surroundings.
Top 5 university for teaching Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences in the UK
Our graduates and their careers
Our graduates go on to do amazing things. Our alumni hold leading positions in the marine sector and across the globe.
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Searching for answers on the other side of the world
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Studying the seas, from Plymouth to Japan
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Jackie Chu: Inspiring sustainability education in the mining sector
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"Plymouth is real...and it's a mariners paradise"
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The life and dreams of a dedicated seafarer
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Davis Laundon: pursuing a career in research
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Discovering a career in marine conservation
Our microplastics research is recognised as one of UK’s 100 best university breakthroughs
More plastic has been produced in the last seven years than in all of the last century. Through greater awareness of the problem, the wider world is waking up to this global challenge and the importance of taking action.
Professor Richard Thompson, OBE
“If you want to just read about marine biology, then anywhere will be fine. However, if you want to live marine biology, then it has to be Plymouth.”
Epic voyages of legacy and discovery
In August and September 2020, scientists from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences joined an ambitious round Britain voyage. Coordinated by UK-based charity Darwin200, the tall ship Pelican of London set sail from Folkestone and visited the major ports of the British Isles before arriving in London almost seven weeks later.
Dr Charlotte Braungardt and Dr Richard Sandford led a range of scientific experiments in fields including marine plastics, ocean chemistry, plankton, marine ecology and ocean processes. This voyage is a precursor to the global Darwin200 expedition in 2021, which will harness the legacy of Charles Darwin by retracing his journey on board HMS Beagle.
Find out more about about Dr Braungardt and Dr Sandford's research
Photo credit: Alex Nimmo Smith
Where the land ends the science starts
Our new @PlymUni Vessel 'Wavedancer' took @MarineSciPlym students to sea for the very first time. She is everything I hoped she would be and more.
Where the land ends the science starts courtesy of our diverse and very capable fleet..... pic.twitter.com/77WHdZcbzT
Sean Marshall (@plymskipper)
Where the land ends the science starts courtesy of our diverse and very capable fleet..... pic.twitter.com/77WHdZcbzT
Sean Marshall (@plymskipper)