Career ready skills
Fieldwork from week one
Professional diving and global fieldwork opportunities
Details
Year 1
Core modules
OS101
Introduction to Ocean Science
20 credits
Begin your journey into ocean science by exploring its breadth, importance and interdisciplinary nature. You’ll develop skills in scientific enquiry, critical thinking and communication. This module builds confidence in understanding marine systems and equips you with foundational knowledge essential for further study in oceanography and marine environmental science.
45% Practicals
45% Tests
10% Coursework
OS104
Measuring the Marine Environment
20 credits
Learn how marine scientists collect, analyse and present environmental data. You’ll work with a range of marine data sets and develop data-handling, visualisation and interpretation skills. This module establishes a strong foundation for later analytical modules in marine science.
100% Coursework
OS105
Mapping the Marine Environment
20 credits
Develop essential field survey and mapping skills for marine environments. You’ll gather primary data on land and at sea, upload them to specialised software and produce clear visualisations. Through this applied experience, you’ll strengthen your understanding of marine survey techniques, data analysis and scientific reporting.
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
OS108
Exploration and Geomorphology of the Oceans
20 credits
Explore how scientists investigate and map the seafloor using optical and acoustic techniques. You’ll study geodesy, measurement methods and key geomorphological features of the marine environment. Practical exercises and computer based sessions help you develop the analytical skills needed for modern ocean exploration.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS109
Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
20 credits
Discover the incredible diversity of marine life and learn how species are classified, named and studied. You’ll explore where different organisms live, how they interact within ecosystems and how processes such as primary production and food webs shape marine environments. This module builds a strong foundation in marine biodiversity and ecology.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BMSMS01
Marine Science Student Support Stage 1
This module supports your early development as a marine scientist by timetabling key skill-building activities. You’ll develop essential Level 4 field, lab and data-handling abilities that underpin later modules, helping you build confidence and capability from the start of your degree.
OS110
Oceanography
This module introduces the science that shapes our oceans, exploring the physical and chemical processes that drive ocean circulation and mixing, and influence the character of marine environments worldwide. Key scientific principles are introduced along the way, helping students build a strong foundation for further study in ocean and marine sciences.
Year 2
Core modules
OS201
Global Ocean Processes
20 credits
Examine the oceanographic processes that structure the global ocean and how they’re impacted by climate change. You’ll study how changes in currents and water properties at different scales affect marine organisms, food webs and biogeochemical cycling. This module develops a deep understanding of the physical, biological and chemical drivers of ocean function.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS202
Monitoring the Marine Environment
20 credits
Learn how marine environmental data sets are collected, evaluated and interpreted. You’ll explore the full range of secondary data sources and practise time series analysis techniques. This module provides vital skills for understanding environmental conditions and informs decision making in marine research, management and policy.
60% Practicals
40% Coursework
OS203
Seafloor Mapping
20 credits
Discover how sound is used to map the seafloor and explore the principles of underwater acoustics. You’ll learn about sonar systems, sound propagation and the techniques used to generate accurate seafloor maps. This module offers a practical introduction to hydrographic surveying and marine mapping technologies.
100% Coursework
OS206
Researching the Marine Environment
20 credits
Develop the skills needed to plan and carry out marine field studies. You’ll design an independent research project, learn practical techniques for equipment deployment and recovery, and analyse field data. This module builds confidence in scientific planning, problem solving and hands-on research, essential for marine science careers.
100% Coursework
BMSMS02
Marine Science Student Support Stage 2
Strengthen your marine science skills in Stage 2 through coordinated activities that support your Level 5 modules. You’ll refine field, laboratory and analytical competencies, enabling you to take on more advanced research and coursework with confidence.
Optional modules
OS204
Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics
20 credits
Study how waves and tides form, interact with coastlines and drive sediment movement. You’ll examine coastal processes such as erosion and accretion and learn to apply physical principles to real coastal settings. This module provides a strong foundation for understanding and predicting coastal change in a dynamic environment.
100% Coursework
OS205
Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
20 credits
Explore how human activities, from fisheries to energy extraction, affect marine ecosystems. You’ll study pollution, biodiversity loss and management strategies used to mitigate impacts. Through case studies and evaluation of conservation tools, this module builds your ability to assess and manage human pressures on marine environments.
100% Coursework
OS207
Scientific Diving
20 credits
Enhance your research capabilities through professional level scientific diving. Suitable for students with the HSE SCUBA qualification, this module trains you in underwater photography, surveying and sampling techniques. You’ll plan and execute multidisciplinary dive projects, developing skills used in research, industry and environmental monitoring.
100% Coursework
GEES2309
Weather, Climate and Meteorology
20 credits
What drives our weather and shapes our climate? Dive into the physics of the atmosphere, from thermodynamics to global circulation. You will analyse real meteorological and satellite data to understand weather systems and forecasting. By mastering these physical principles, you will uncover the scientific evidence behind climate variability and the critical role of meteorology in a sustainable future.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
OS210
Remote Sensing of the Environment
20 credits
Learn how remote sensing technologies, from satellites to drones, are used to study terrestrial and marine environments. You’ll develop skills in analysing and applying remote sensing data using industry standard software and explore how these tools help solve real world environmental challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
Optional placement year
Core modules
BPIE338
Ocean Science Placement
0 credits
Spend up to 48 weeks gaining real-world experience in a professional ocean science setting. This extended placement allows you to apply knowledge gained in your first two years, build workplace skills and prepare for your final stage of study. It provides valuable insight into career pathways and industry expectations in ocean science
Final year
Core modules
OS305
Coastal Survey
20 credits
Learn how environmental legislation, ethics and field techniques are combined in coastal surveying. You’ll practise data collection methods and apply them to real coastal settings while considering sustainability and archaeological elements. This module builds practical, analytical and evaluative skills essential for coastal science professionals.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
Undertake an independent research project from concept to completion. You’ll develop a research question, design and execute your study, analyse results and communicate your findings. This module strengthens your ability to work independently, solve problems and reflect on your academic and professional development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
OS318
Applied Ocean Exploration
Develop the technical and practical skills needed to plan and execute geophysical and acoustic surveys. You’ll explore methods used for offshore resource assessment, marine infrastructure planning, port maintenance and exploring the deep oceans, covering the full water column to sub-seabed environment. This module prepares you for professional roles in ocean exploration and surveying.
100% Coursework
BMSMS04
Marine Science Student Support Stage 4
Prepare for graduation and future marine science roles by refining your advanced skills during Stage 4. This module supports high-level development across fieldwork, lab techniques, data analysis and transferable skills, ensuring you are ready for professional or academic careers in marine science.
Optional modules
OS306
Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries
20 credits
Explore how different coastal landforms develop and change over time. You’ll study geomorphological archetypes, examine how waves, tides and sediment shape coastlines, and analyse how human activities interact with natural processes. This module strengthens your ability to interpret dynamic coastal environments and understand their ecological and societal importance.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
OS312
Marine Science Field Course (UK)
20 credits
Take part in an intensive UK based field research course where you’ll plan and conduct group fieldwork on a chosen marine science theme. You’ll address challenges such as safety, weather and experimental design, and analyse real field data. This module deepens your confidence and competence in marine research practice.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS313
Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field Course
20 credits
Strengthen your field skills through a focused research course that blends marine science with conservation practice. Working in small groups, you’ll plan and conduct field investigations, develop practical sampling and analytical skills and explore real conservation challenges within dynamic marine environment.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS314
Oceanography, Coastal Processes and Surveying Field Course
20 credits
Gain hands-on experience with oceanographic and coastal surveying techniques during this intensive field course. In a team, you’ll collect and analyse data, design field investigations and tackle practical challenges such as weather, waves, tides and environment. This module builds strong applied skills across oceanography, coastal science and marine surveying.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS317
Big Data for Marine Science
20 credits
Learn to work confidently with large, open access datasets to address global marine challenges such as climate change and pollution. You’ll develop skills in numerical modelling, data manipulation and visualisation, gaining practical experience analysing complex environmental datasets that shape modern marine science.
100% Coursework
OS319
Marine Autonomy
20 credits
Explore the principles behind autonomous marine vehicles and their applications in hydrography and marine science. You’ll study vehicle design, control and mission planning, write bespoke data processing software and gain hands-on experience operating small autonomous systems. This module links theory with real world autonomous operations.
70% Coursework
30% Examinations
Building invaluable skills
Marine science undergraduate scheme
The scheme allows flexibility and transfer between our suite of three specialist BSc courses up until the end of Year 2.
Optional pathways
Experience
Develop your practical skills ready for the workplace
The purpose of this activity is to give the students the practical skills which are necessary and invaluable in the workplace. The overall aim is to prepare the students not just to deploy equipment but to prepare it throughout the whole process of collecting the data and then taking the data from the instrument that we've deployed and analysing the output in the lab.
Dr Philip Hosegood
Associate Professor in Physical Oceanography
Boost your skills and experience with a placement
“My placement really consolidated what I learnt during my degree and gave me experience of working in an offshore environment. To be able to go into industry and have a bit of experience really does help!â€
Integrate scientific diving into your degree pathway
Participate in our field trips
In my final year, we took a field trip to the Isles of Scilly ... we learned a huge amount about how to position our equipment using satellites, do bathymetric surveys and use drones to map the shape of the land (the pub grub was amazing too!).
Residential Isles of Scilly field trip
Maldives field trip
The Maldives field trip was amazing from start to finish. It was fantastic to take samples on the most perfect, untouched remote tropical islands, working in the warmest crystal blue water every day and among stunning palm-fringed atoll islands. It was just a totally different and dynamic environment to work in. I was challenged to learn as much as possible during the week and found the module super absorbing.
Expand your horizons with a research expedition
Final-year project
Research-informed teaching
Dr Jenny Gales
Associate Professor in Hydrography and Ocean Exploration
Dr Philip Hosegood
Associate Professor in Physical Oceanography
Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop
Associate Head of School - International
Mapping submarine volcanoes in the sub-Antarctic South Sandwich Islands
“My research focuses on understanding Antarctic submarine geohazards, including volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis, and the processes that shape and trigger them. I use ocean exploration techniques to investigate and map the seafloor, including remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles. This research is vital for improving our ability to predict, assess and mitigate future geohazards in one of the most isolated and dynamic regions on Earth.â€
Waterfront campus
With regards to marine science, the facilities, equipment and fleet are without comparison anywhere in the country. Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ, with sea to the south and Dartmoor to the north, is a great place to be.
Marine Station
Meet our Marine Station technical staff
Enrich your studies – join a student society
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Life in Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
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.
Current student
Careers
- oceanographic consultancy
- postgraduate research
- coastal management agencies
- offshore renewable energy
- Meteorological Office.
The University is large, well-resourced, and a pleasant place to study. With regards to marine science, the facilities, equipment and fleet are without comparison anywhere in the country. For those interested there is also the chance to qualify as a professional diver (no other university offers this). On top of this, Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ, with sea to the south and Dartmoor to the north, is a great place to be.

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]95% of our ocean exploration and surveying graduates are in work or further study
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Ê91% of our ocean exploration and surveying graduates feel that staff supported their learning well
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,790 per year
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
TOTUS student scholarship
Supporting students with the cost of living
Apply
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
A levels
BTEC National Diploma modules
All Access courses
T level
International Baccalaureate
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
F731
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
F731
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
Other routes to this course
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day