Marine Biology and Oceanography

Explore ocean and deep-sea marine life alongside the physical and chemical processes that shape marine ecosystems. With direct access to the biodiverse South Devon coast, this course provides hands-on experience through practical field and lab work.

Learn from the best
We're at the forefront of knowledge on how marine organisms are composed, function, evolve, and interact with the physical and chemical processes that shape the ocean.

Hands-on experience
Deepen your experience with hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques in the laboratories and onboard the University’s research vessels within Plymouth Sound, a Special Area for Conservation.

Facing global challenges
At the crossroads of marine biology and oceanography, our graduates emerge ready to address global challenges—from climate change to biodiversity loss—with the insight and innovation the ocean demands.

This course is for you if...

• you're passionate about uncovering how life in the sea responds to a dynamic and changing ocean

• you seek hands-in experience in using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques

• you are passionate about understanding marine life and ocean processes—and finding solutions to the challenges facing our oceans

• you want to develop the practical, intellectual, and scientific skills to become a practising marine biologist.

Plymouth is a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, the UK Armed Forces and the higher education sector, helping equip you with specialist, in-demand skills.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore the core biological and oceanographic themes that underpin marine biology and oceanography, studying topics from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and microbiology. Through a blend of lectures, small‑group tutorials, laboratory practicals and fieldwork, you’ll begin developing the scientific and analytical skills that will support your employability and future career development.

You’ll also take part in two week‑long field courses that introduce you to the spectacular marine environments of South West England. These experiences will help you get to grips with the fundamentals of scientific investigation, including data collection, analysis and interpretation, while giving you first‑hand insight into the rich coastal and marine habitats right on your doorstep.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll continue to refine your practical skills along the spectacular South Devon coastline. You will deepen your understanding of the biology and ecology of marine organisms, as well as the key principles of chemical and biological oceanography. You’ll receive hands‑on practical training in marine surveying, underwater sampling and species identification.

These techniques will be developed even further on your residential field course, currently held in Sweden, where you’ll conduct deep‑water field research from an ocean‑going research vessel. This immersive experience allows you to apply your learning in real‑world conditions while developing the specialist skills needed for work in marine biology and oceanography.

Optional placement year
Many of our students choose to take an optional placement year between their second and final years, gaining invaluable hands‑on experience in real scientific environments. You can choose to complete a minimum six‑month work placement anywhere in the world, gaining practical, career‑focused experience directly linked to your studies. This is your opportunity to apply your skills in real‑world settings, explore potential career paths and build valuable professional networks that can help shape your future in the field.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to focus on the areas of marine biology that inspire you most. A major component of the year is your personal research project, where you’ll design and carry out an in‑depth investigation, applying the scientific skills, field techniques and analytical methods you’ve developed throughout your degree.

You’ll also choose from a range of specialist modules shaped by the cutting‑edge research interests of our academic staff. These options allow you to refine your expertise, tailor your studies to your career ambitions and engage with the latest developments in marine biology, ensuring you graduate confident, skilled and ready for your next step.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.