Marine Biology with Foundation Year
Marine biology is the study of life in the ocean, encompassing everything from microscopic phytoplankton and deep-sea invertebrates to whales, sharks, and the coral reef ecosystems that support extraordinary biodiversity. The discipline draws on ecology, physiology, genetics, and oceanography to understand how marine organisms live, interact, and respond to their environments, and how those environments are changing under the pressure of climate change, pollution, and human exploitation.
At the University of Plymouth, this four-year programme begins with a foundation year that develops the scientific, mathematical, and study skills needed to thrive on the full marine biology degree. Plymouth is exceptionally well placed for this subject: the university's location on the south-west coast gives students direct access to diverse marine habitats, and the university has strong research links with Plymouth Marine Laboratory, one of the UK's leading marine science institutes. In the foundation year, you will encounter major global environmental challenges and develop an independent, reflective approach to scientific study that prepares you for the more advanced work ahead.
As the degree progresses, you will build expertise in marine ecology, biological oceanography, marine conservation, and the biological processes that underpin life in the sea. The typical entry tariff is 88 UCAS points.
Graduates of marine biology programmes pursue careers in marine conservation, environmental consultancy, fisheries management, aquaculture, scientific research, government agencies, and international environmental organisations. The practical and laboratory skills developed during the degree, alongside rigorous scientific training, prepare graduates for roles in both the public and private sectors. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate research, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about how the ocean functions and how it can be protected.
Science communication and education are also routes that appeal to those who want to share their fascination with the marine world more widely.