Marine Conservation

Marine conservation is the scientific and applied study of ocean ecosystems and the biodiversity they support, with a focus on understanding, protecting and sustainably managing the marine environment. The oceans cover more than two thirds of the Earth's surface, regulate the climate, produce oxygen and sustain billions of people through fisheries and coastal economies. Yet they face extraordinary pressure from overfishing, pollution, acidification, warming and habitat destruction.

Marine conservation draws on ecology, oceanography, biology and policy to address these challenges.

At the University of Plymouth, this three-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich year in professional placement, a year abroad and a work placement, making it one of the most comprehensively structured marine conservation degrees available. Plymouth has a strong tradition in marine and environmental science, and the programme benefits from the university's connections with the marine research community and its coastal location. You will study ecological principles, evolutionary relationships, biodiversity, marine habitats and the processes that sustain natural communities, developing both the scientific understanding and the practical skills needed to work in conservation and environmental management.

The sandwich and work placement years give you real-world experience that is essential in a field where practical fieldwork and professional contacts are crucial.

Graduates from marine conservation programmes work in conservation organisations, environmental consultancies, government agencies, marine protected area management, research institutions and international bodies. Roles include marine biologist, conservation officer, environmental scientist, fisheries manager, sustainability adviser and research scientist. Many go on to postgraduate study in marine biology, conservation biology, oceanography or environmental management.

The combination of scientific training and applied conservation experience that the programme provides is well suited to a field where the urgent challenges of the coming decades will demand highly trained professionals.