BSc Marine Science - 2025 entry

In your first year, you’ll get to experience research at sea for the first time, for example through exploring the Falmouth Estuary by boat to measure plankton abundance, take conductivity temperature and depth profiles, and use a remotely operated vehicle to explore ocean habitats.

In the second year you will go on a field course to the unique Isles of Scilly, where you’ll work on physical oceanography while at sea and extend your experience of coastal and nearshore island environments.

Your marine fieldwork experience will culminate in your third year in a week-long residential field trip focused entirely on oceanographic sampling and analysis of field observations. During your third year, you’ll also have the opportunity to conduct your own independent field study as part of your dissertation where you will be given one-to-one supervision with a member of staff. For example, in recent years students went to Iceland to conduct fieldwork for their independent research projects.

The intensity of seagoing and coastal environmental and economic activity around Cornwall offers placements and work experience with marine-based companies, providing the opportunity for further seagoing experience.

_{*Field course destinations are subject to change. Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs.}

Learn from experts

We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-inspired culture. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be taught by expert staff who are actively engaged in research on a wide range of specialisms, including climate change, remote sensing, polar marine environments (Arctic and Antarctic), energy policy, environment and coastal sustainability.

Teaching and research activities emphasise the value of holistic thinking – looking beyond traditional boundaries to the complex interactions between the ocean sciences and the communities that depend on the sea for their food, resources, recreation and spiritual nourishment.

We have strong links with research projects across every continent of the globe from Antarctica to Asia.

Assessment

Your progress is monitored through tutorial work and practical assessments. The final degree mark is based on approximately 50 per cent exam-based and 50 per cent coursework-based assessments. The latter include a final year dissertation, which is an independent research project in which you study the topic that excites you most. The modules taken in Year 1 must be passed to progress to Year 2, but the marks obtained do not influence your final degree classification.

Taking modules outside of your programme

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a foreign language

You can boost your employability by using up to 30 credits each year to study a foreign language. If you study the language for more than one year you may be entitled to have ‘with proficiency in’ added to your degree certificate. The Foreign Language Centre will be offering modules in French and Spanish language from complete beginners up to advanced levels, plus German and Mandarin Chinese from beginner’s level.

If you achieve at least 60 credits in a language via our Foreign Language Centre you may be able to have the words ‘with proficiency in’ and the language added to your degree title.

Further details can be found on the Foreign Language Centre web pages.

Proficiency in Law

Students on this course are now able to add ‘with proficiency in Law’ to their degree title, by gaining a strand of additional legal knowledge and skills that adds value to their degree.

The ‘With proficiency in Law’ modules being offered to non-law students provide a theoretical and technical basis for understanding the regulatory and legal frameworks that you might encounter within your main field of study. These modules lend themselves strongly to students wishing to develop their skillset to work across the environment and sustainability sector and in wider business.

If you accrue at least 60 credits in elective law modules you will have ‘with proficiency in Law’ added to your degree title.

Academic support

As well as a minimum of 10 hours of direct contact time with your lecturers per week in your first year, all students have a personal and academic tutor who is available for advice and support throughout their studies and to support the transition to university-level learning. In addition, all students are represented through Student-Staff Liaison Committees and can regularly feedback through module and course evaluations.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a Student Mentoring Scheme in Year 1, matching you with a Year 2 or Year 3 student who can answer your questions, offer advice and moral support to smooth your transition to university.

Facilities

We have a large variety of equipment that can be used on student research projects. These include a wide range of equipment to measure marine parameters, including conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) arrays and plankton and seabed sediment sampling devices. Digital media such as iPads, cameras and voice recorders are also available.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

• A Foreign Language
• Law
• Social Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership

Find out more about proficiency options

Careers services

We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.

Career paths

Given the pressures to manage, adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate and environmental change, not least changes in sea level and the risks of coastal flooding, the employability prospects for graduates trained in physical marine science, particularly well-trained practically, are high and only likely to grow.

Likely career paths include:

• integrated coastal zone management
• environmental management
• modelling
• offshore renewables
• offshore hydrocarbons
• offshore carbon sequestration
• marine engineering
• conservation and marine policy

Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.