Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Marine Conservation

Join this course from September 2026, and turn your passion for the ocean into a career: explore, protect, and restore marine ecosystems with our hands-on BSc Marine Conservation degree.

Our typical offer

104 - 128 UCAS points

A unique marine environment

Gain extensive, real-world experience surveying diverse marine habitats, from boat-based studies in ²ÝùÊÓƵ Sound Marine Park to coastal research expeditions, with opportunities for UK and international field courses.

Maximum career impact

This course combines marine science, conservation biology, and social sciences, equipping you with a broad skill set that enhances employability. You’ll graduate ready to tackle a diverse range of marine conservation challenges.

Strong industry links and opportunities

Benefit from close ties with local conservation organisations, government agencies and ecological consultancies, ensuring real-world relevance.
BSc (Hons) Marine Conservation
About Details Experience Careers Fees and funding Apply Register for open day

About

  • HJoin this course from September 2026

Are you ready to be part of the solution to the biodiversity crisis, climate change, pollution, and the destruction of our oceans? If you're excited about tackling these challenges and protecting marine ecosystems, then the BSc Marine Conservation is for you. This course is designed to equip the next generation of marine conservation leaders with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to make a lasting impact. You'll dive into the study of ecology, conservation, and the marine and social sciences, applying them to real-world challenges and developing fieldwork expertise in cutting-edge survey techniques. Join us in shaping the future of marine species and maritime communities and become a key player in the recovery of ocean ecosystems throughout the 21st century.


Dr Thomas Davies
Dr Thomas Davies
Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Marine students on boat

This course is for you if...

you're passionate about understanding and protecting marine ecosystems
Crab
you aspire to help resolve contemporary issues in marine conservation
Ocean pollution - bottle and dead fish in sea
you're eager to engage in hands-on fieldwork and practical research
Scuba kit
you value working alongside experts involved in leading marine research
person with lines around their head, depicting experience

Details

Year 1: Dive into Marine Conservation

From day one, you'll get hands-on with real marine science – heading into the field to carry out surveys and collect data from the natural world. Back in the lab and classroom, you’ll learn how to turn that data into powerful insights, while building a solid foundation in ecology and the amazing diversity of life. As the year progresses, you’ll explore how conservation thinking has evolved over time and start to understand the big ideas behind protecting species and habitats. You’ll also gain practical skills in mapping marine spaces and using data to support better conservation decisions. Along the way, you'll explore a range of fascinating ecosystems – from coral reefs and seagrass beds to deep-sea habitats and temperate rocky shores. It's the perfect start to becoming a marine conservationist.
Biological Science students using the facilities in Davy building

Year 2: Exploring the oceans and people

In your second year, you'll deepen your understanding of how marine species are conserved and how human activity shapes ocean ecosystems. You’ll explore powerful ideas like citizen science, blue health, ocean literacy, and the blue economy—while developing real-world skills in surveying public opinion and analysing social science data. A dedicated research skills module kicks off the year, introducing you to advanced methods for studying marine life and the people connected to it. You’ll even design and run your own group mini-project on a conservation question that matters to you. You can tailor your experience with specialist options like satellite remote sensing, scientific diving, or applied ecology. To top it all off, you’ll get the chance to join one of our unforgettable residential field courses – either in the UK or overseas – putting your learning into action in truly inspiring environments.
Ocean Science students diving in the Bahamas

Optional placement year

Take the opportunity to undertake a placement in the UK or overseas with an industry provider. Students gain unique conservation experience, from surveying sea turtle nesting sites to monitoring orca activity, or even working on innovative research projects in ²ÝùÊÓƵ's marine laboratories. The University’s dedicated placements team and list of pre-approved providers will guide you in securing the perfect placement. It’s a fantastic chance to develop hands-on skills, expand your network, and contribute to exciting marine conservation work, while exploring future career opportunities in the field.
Thalia Stinton - 3rd year Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology Student working in a lab at the Marine Station

Final year: Lead your own conservation journey

In your final year, you’ll take the lead – designing and carrying out your own independent research project on a real-world marine conservation challenge. This is your chance to bring together everything you've learned to make a genuine impact. You’ll dive deep into the threats facing marine and coastal ecosystems, and explore the tools we use to manage and protect them. Alongside this, you'll gain a solid understanding of marine governance – looking at policies, agencies, and global strategies shaping the future of our oceans. You’ll also get the chance to specialise in areas that inspire you most, such as fisheries or marine mammal conservation, marine pollution, climate change impacts, animal behaviour, or the cultural connections coastal communities have with the sea. It’s your year to focus, specialise, and prepare to launch your career in marine conservation.
MRes in Marine Biology PhD student Ari Drummond
 
 
 

Experience

Take part in research expeditions

Take the helm is an exciting initiative that combines scientific research with hands-on fieldwork to monitor and protect marine mammal populations. Conducted by students and researchers, the project focuses on surveying marine mammals in their natural habitats. By collecting valuable data on species distribution, behaviour, and environmental influences, the survey contributes to ongoing conservation efforts and helps deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems. Through this opportunity, students gain practical experience while supporting the protection of vital ocean species.
BSc Ocean Science and Marine Conservation students scuba diving in Bali BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation students scuba diving in Bali

Experience overseas field work

Students studying BSc (Hons) Marine Conservation currently have the opportunity to participate in a specialist international diving residential field course (provided they are suitably qualified), an overseas snorkelling field course, or a UK residential field course.
Previous residential field trips have taken students to Bali, where they surveyed some of the world’s best coral reefs alongside manta rays and sea turtles, and to the Bahamas, where they explored mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

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 ²ÝùÊÓƵ 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.
Discover more about the Marine Station
Marine station
 
 
 

HSE Professional SCUBA diving course

²ÝùÊÓƵ is unique in offering our students the opportunity to gain the HSE Professional SCUBA certification alongside their degree. The course is an intensive four week full-time programme designed to prepare candidates for undertaking media, scientific and archaeological diving projects. If you are looking to do any underwater work in the UK and be paid, you will require a HSE qualification.
The Professional SCUBA course is the minimum requirement if you wish to work on scientific, archaeological or media diving projects. Please note that places on the course are offered subject to availability.
Learn more about the HSE SCUBA diving course
2 divers in the sea floating at the surface wearing full face masks with a boat in the background.
 
 
 

Navigating the future of marine research

Our fleet of research vessels play a vital role in helping to advance marine science, conservation and ocean exploration. They are used for both group practical work and individual projects.
The variety of vessels support a wide range of activities, from student training and coastal surveys to ground-breaking environmental research. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, access to our boats provides hands-on experience for aspiring marine scientists.
Explore our fleet of vessels
Falcon Spirit

Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach

  • Gain a strong scientific foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, conservation and marine ecosystems complimented by analytical skills in marine ecology and spatial marine management and policy.
  • Achieve extensive experience of surveying a variety of marine habitats by boat and from the shore in and around the ²ÝùÊÓƵ Sound Marine Park.
  • Explore in depth how human activities impact marine ecosystems, and how our relationships to them can be enhanced to improve outcomes for both people and nature.
  • Gain practical experience of deploying management tools utilised by practitioners working within ecology and conservation.
  • Create strong external links with local conservation organisations, government organisations and ecological consultancies.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in UK and overseas field courses, and specialist research expeditions.
  • Participate in an optional HSE professional diving course and an optional dedicated scientific diving module.
 
 
 

Learn from experts

Leverage our industry experience and learn from academics who are leaders in their field, preparing and equipping you for a high-impact conservation career.
Dr Alexander Wilson Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology


Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology

Dr Lauren Biermann Lecturer in Marine Science (Remote Sensing)


Lecturer in Marine Science (Remote Sensing)

Dr Laurence Dyke Lecturer in Hydrography and Marine Science


Lecturer in Hydrography and Marine Science

Show all
 
 
 

Marine Biology Society

We are involved in anything and everything marine biology or ocean science. All of our committee, and members, are passionate about the ocean and the wonderful marine world we find beneath the surface.
Throughout the year, with your membership, you will have access to the exclusive events, activities and fun which the MBS offers. We will be focusing on providing academic talks, outdoor adventures and many other activities throughout the year with many society socials to look forward to.
Marine biology students on a field trip in Portugal
 
 
 

Life in ²ÝùÊÓƵ

²ÝùÊÓƵ's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what ²ÝùÊÓƵ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Marine Conservation is a growing job sector with high demand for versatile skillsets

BSc Marine Conservation will complement the hard skills in Marine Science with the addition of skills in Biological Conservation and the Social Sciences and Humanities, enhancing your employment potential after graduation. Current employment growth in the sector is being driven by climate change and environmental concerns, government and international policies, expansion of the blue economy, and advancements in Marine Science and technology. A huge range of career pathways are open to Marine Conservation graduates including:

  • ÆConservation organisations and non-governmental organisations

  • ÆGovernment and Regulatory Agencies

  • ÆMarine Industry and Sustainable Business

  • ÆScience communication and education

  • ÆFieldwork and exploration

  • ÆResearch and academia

Scuba diver underwater with a mountain in the background.
Offshore renewable energy COP27
Dr Benjamin Ciotti explores the dynamic environment of surf zone ecosystems and the research investigating the role of sandy beaches as habitats for fishes.

Optional placement year: preparing you for the future

An optional six- to twelve-month placement provides a valuable complement to your programme and is an opportunity for you to widen your employment experience and consolidate the first two stages of study. Whether you work with conservation organisations, consultancies, research institutions or a company of your choice, you can take the opportunity to gain valuable experience and learn new skills to prepare you for the final stage of your degree and employment after graduation.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
N/A per year
Part-time study
N/A per credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an , 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 ²ÝùÊÓƵ. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
N/A per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at ²ÝùÊÓƵ, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 - 128 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

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

A levels
104 - 128 points including a minimum of 2 A Levels, to include Grade C in a relevant Science subject: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Sociology, Statistics.
For candidates that do not have a second science subject at A level, please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

BTEC National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DDM in a relevant science subject.
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.

International Baccalaureate
30 diploma points overall, to include 5 diploma points in Biology (Higher Level) plus 5 diploma points in second science at Higher Level. English and Mathematics must be included. If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all other elements.

Foundation programme
Students who pass any School of Biological and Marine Sciences Foundation programme in Marine Biology, Biological Science or Marine Science are eligible to progress to BSc Marine Conservation.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match to our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
FC71
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
²ÝùÊÓƵ
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
    Our typical offer
    104 - 128 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    FC71
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    ²ÝùÊÓƵ
     
     
     

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