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Marine Science with optional placement year

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
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  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Coleraine

Course summary

Are you passionate about the health of our oceans and life in our seas? Our degree in marine science is the integrated study of the biological, physical and chemical aspects of our coasts and oceans. It covers aspects of marine biology and ecology, through marine geology, maritime archaeology, and ocean engineering, to the oceans as an economic resource and a global climate regulator. Oceans provide many opportunities for sustainable communities through renewable energy schemes, carbon sequestration, and sustainable fishing. The Blue Economy (activities related to the ocean) is growing each year, and in 2018 was worth €566 billion while generating an estimated 3.5 million jobs across Europe.

The human population, estimated at 7.6 billion in 2018, is expected to increase to 11 billion by 2100. With the majority of the world’s largest cities located in coastal zones, more than 75% of people are expected to live within 100 km of the coast by 2025. At a time of unprecedented environmental change, society is having to adapt to processes and hazards that are poorly understood. Now, more than ever, society needs STEM graduates with an interdisciplinary understanding of the complexity and uncertainty of the marine and atmospheric systems, and with the skills and competencies to observe, measure, model and manage these systems. We achieve this in our marine science degree through the integration of theoretical, practical and field-based approaches. Our Coleraine campus is ideally located on the Causeway Coast, one of the world’s most spectacular natural laboratories.

Employment opportunities exist all over the world in the public and private sectors, in areas as diverse as physical, chemical and biological oceanography, coastal and ocean engineering, hydrographic surveying, fisheries science, marine mammal science, meteorology, marine geology, scientific diving, coastal zone planning and marine conservation

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F719
Institution code:
U20
Campus name:
Coleraine
Campus Code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BCC

STEM subjects preferred. Subjects may include Geography, Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Technology/Science, Physical Education, Single Award Science, ICT, Nutrition and Food Science, Software Systems Development, Single Award Life & Health Sciences. Applied Science Double Award also acceptable.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

For students taking a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma on the QCF framework (first teaching 2010), the requirements will be DDM.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 12 credits M: 30 credits P: 3 credits

Overall profile of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Scottish Higher - BCCCC

2 STEM subjects preferred.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points

To include 12 at Higher Level

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level, including English and Maths at O4/H6 or above.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE passes at grade C or above, or equivalent in Mathematics, English and double award science are required. Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 6 other geography, earth and environmental studies courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

100% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

75 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£17490Year 1
International£17490Year 1
Northern Ireland£4855*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£4855*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

Please note that fees for Home and GB for 2026/27 have not yet been set by Department for the Employment in NI and will be subject to an inflationary increase from 2025/26.

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