Law Virtual Student Panel
25 Mar 2026, 16:30
Plymouth
You are viewing our beta course page.
Course summary
With the strong and increasing international interest in marine conservation and research, highly trained scientific divers are a critical resource. In the UK the forthcoming DEFRA led Marine Net Gain legislation (the marine version of terrestrial Biodiversity Net Gain) is likely to lead to a significant increase in the requirement for scientific divers in the UK for monitoring and survey work. Globally, achieving The Campaign for Nature’s aim of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 is going to require a significant increase in the rate of biodiversity surveying of marine habitats, which in shallow water environments is likely to require scientific diving. 190 countries including the UK have now signed up to the 30 by 30 pledge. Therefore the employment potential for highly skilled graduate scientific divers globally is increasing.
The programme will provide:
• Industry focussed content with some delivery by industry partners.
• Hand on, experiential training.
• A bespoke programme delivered by academic and technical staff currently involved at the cutting edge of delivering scientific diving projects internationally.
• A research driven programme, with the opportunity to undertake research projects embedded within leading organisations undertaking scientific diving worldwide.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated Student Immigration Advice (SIA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letter will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Scientific Diving at University of Plymouth: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
POWERED BY 
Entry requirements
An honours degree in a relevant discipline such as Marine Biology, Marine Science, Biology, Zoology, Ocean Science, or an overseas equivalent at 2.1 or better. If a candidate applies with a degree in a non-related discipline this may be considered if the applicant has significant relevant industry experience.
A minimum of grade C in English language at GCSE level OR a minimum overall score of 6.5 in IELTS with no less than 5.5 in any component.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.
English Language Requirements https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
- Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
Course contact details
Admissions
Email:admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1752 585858
Related courses
At University of Plymouth
Like this page