Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Study Abroad
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Study Abroad | Programme code | UFS4GOACSMCD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme is the University’s flagship Marine Science degree and promotes a truly interdisciplinary systems approach to marine science. In this degree you will learn the science behind the complexity of the Earth’s coastal and oceanic processes, which will allow you to understand and respond to the biggest developments and debates in contemporary marine science. You will begin the degree by gaining a broad understanding of the key aspects of oceanography and gain an appreciation of how our seas and oceans link and interact with the wider Earth system. The programme structure is designed to give you the essential skills that marine employers demand, meanwhile allowing you to pursue your interests in the wider subject area. The degree covers a broad range of disciplines, from physical oceanography, marine biology, marine biogeochemistry, geology and marine renewable energy, to environmental management and law. It is led from the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science within the Faculty of ESE, but other departments feed in (e.g. Biosciences, Law, Cambourne School of Mines, and Renewable Energy) to provide an truly interdisciplinary flavour. The degree draws on the international research excellence of teaching staff and is supported by the University’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) – an interdisciplinary centre leading cutting-edge research into the consequences of environmental change and the mitigation and management of its effects.
At our Penryn Campus we offer a welcoming atmosphere, where you are encouraged to make the most of Cornwall’s unique environment, both in your studies and in your free time. Our programmes treat Cornwall as a ‘natural laboratory’, taking learning into the field to explore the incredible diversity of coastal and natural landscapes in the region.
When participating in field courses, you will be required to cover any visa costs and, if necessary, purchase anti-malarial medication and relevant immunisations. You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demand of the research project chosen. Details of specialist equipment, vaccinations and visas that you must supply at your own expense are provided at http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6569.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
Educational aims
This programme is designed to train the next generation of marine scientists and practitioners. It achieves this in several ways:
The programme seeks to introduce a broad range of theoretical concepts in marine science from a solid physical foundation in the first year, through to more expert and practice-focused modules in the second and final years.
The programme offers an integrated interdisciplinary curriculum to allow you to make connections between physical processes, ecological patterns, and marine environmental policy and practice.
It aims to equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skill-sets required by marine, environmental and offshore employers. This includes hands-on training in the use of remote sensing data and field data collection and analysis.
It uniquely combines the study of the natural and semi-natural environment with consideration of marine policy and law, enabling you to make science-into-policy connections and to facilitate marine environmental decision making.
The programme encourages you to think about human interactions with the marine environment, through understanding complex issues such as climate change, offshore renewables and changing marine ecosystems.
Through fieldwork and other activities, this programme promotes intellectual curiosity about the marine environment and how it functions.
The programme provides training in a range of general and transferable skills (e.g. IT, statistics, basic mathematics, data handling, fieldwork (including sampling at sea), writing and presentation) to propel you to high level careers in the marine sector.
You will be taught by internationally recognised research-active staff through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, field work, and laboratory sessions. Throughout the programme emphasis is placed on developing practical hands-on expertise, grounded by sound theoretical knowledge. We embed important marine science skills within modules, including, boat work, remote sensing, computer coding and practical data analysis. We include a range of fieldwork from local to further afield venues and you will engage in fieldwork of all varieties and in many different environments throughout the programme of study.
We apply novel methods of interactive teaching in the Marine Science degree. From your first year you will engage with hands-on enquiries using databases, satellite data, lab work, and in situ marine or coastal observations to facilitate understanding of the local, regional, national and global picture of the marine world and all of its processes. Lecture material will be global in scope but practical work will build from a local focus in year 1 to a more global perspective by the final year. By the end of your degree you will be able to use a wide range of marine datasets to answer environmental questions important to the future of our planet.
4. Programme Structure
The BSc Marine Science with Study Abroad is a four year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
aThe field course module, GEO1421, is compulsory. If you are unable to take the field course, you will be required to take another optional module. Please discuss this with the programme lead.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1433 | Marine Biology | 30 | No |
| GEO1405B | Earth System Science | 15 | No |
| GEO1419 | Introduction to Data Science | 15 | No |
| GEO1420 | Atmospheric and Oceanic Systems, Their Interactions and Importance | 15 | No |
| GEO1421 | Marine and Environmental Science Field Course [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| GEO1422 | Marine Science Tutorials | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioP S1 BSc MS opt 2025-6 | |||
| CSM1031 | Earth and Environmental Chemistry | 15 | No |
| CSM1041 | Quantitative Methods for GeoScientists | 15 | No |
| GEO1408B | Global Issues in Environmental Science | 15 | No |
| GEO1423 | Biodiversity and its Conservation | 15 | No |
| LAW1016C | A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
b The field course module, GEO2460, is compulsory. If you are unable to take the field course, you will be required to take another optional module.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO2441 | Remote Sensing for Environmental Management | 15 | No |
| GEO2460 | Environment and Sustainability on the Isles of Scilly [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| GEO2462 | Research Methods and Design | 15 | No |
| GEO2457 | Physical Ocean Processes | 15 | No |
| GEO2461 | Second Year Tutorials | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioP S2 BSc MS opt 2025-6 | |||
| CSM2183 | Sedimentology | 30 | No |
| ECE2001 | Oceans and Human Health | 15 | No |
| ECM2911 | Mathematics of the Environment | 15 | No |
| GEO2440 | Geographical Information Science and Systems | 15 | No |
| GEO2449 | Green Consultants | 15 | No |
| GEO2450 | Biogeography | 15 | No |
| GEO2451 | Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans | 15 | No |
| GEO2467 | Climate Change: The Physical Basis of the IPCC | 15 | No |
| LAW2016C | Environmental Regulation and Redress | 15 | No |
| BIO2462 | Marine Ecology | 30 | No |
| BIO2465 | Wildlife Exploitation | 15 | No |
| GEO2463 | Hazards and Human Society | 15 | No |
Stage 3
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO3508 | One Year Study Abroad | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
c) GEO3477 Dissertation in Marine Science is a 45-credit GEO-coded module but you may select a supervisor from either CLES or CEMPS (i.e. in Geography/Environmental Science, Biosciences, Renewables or Geology).
d) The field course module, GEO3463, is compulsory. If you are unable to take the field course, you will be required to take another optional module.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO3477 | Dissertation in Marine Science [see note c above] | 45 | Yes |
| GEO3463 | Research Cruise [see note d above] | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioP SF BSc MS opt 2025-6 | |||
| BIO3409 | Symbiosis in Marine Systems | 15 | No |
| BIO3433 | Ocean Management and Conservation | 15 | No |
| CSM3072 | Climate change: Past and Future | 15 | No |
| ENE3003 | Marine Renewable Energy | 15 | No |
| GEO2449 | Green Consultants | 15 | No |
| GEO3455 | Marine Climate and Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3461 | Arctic Frontiers: Can We Preserve the Arctic Environment? | 15 | No |
| GEO3466 | Biological Oceanography | 15 | No |
| GEO3470 | Marine and Coastal Social-ecological systems | 15 | No |
| GEOM363B | Themes in Climate Change | 15 | No |
| LAW3301C | Law and Policy for Sustainable Organisations | 15 | No |
| GEO3480 | The Southern Ocean and Oceanic Eddies | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Describe in detail the scientific theory underpinning the study of the marine environment. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical laboratory and field skills, independent reading and synthesis. | ILO1 – Explicitly through coursework, essays and exams in core modules in the first year. ILO2 – The programme is interdisciplinary and modules are assessed against student’s understanding about interconnections through coursework, essays and exams. Field courses and second year Key Skills modules are assessed through presentations and applied examples. ILO3 – Explicitly through content of core and optional modules in all years. ILO4 – Training in the first, second and final year field classes, first and second year data handling, key skills and mathematical modules, within some modules, and through the final year dissertation in Marine Science. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Evaluate the diversity of approaches towards the generation of marine science knowledge and understanding, with detailed knowledge of essential facts and theory. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical laboratory and field skills, data handling, independent reading and synthesis. | ILO5 – Explicitly through module-based assessment in all years. Assessment of performance in modules is through written examinations, short answer tests; practical work and reports; quantitative problems; project report or dissertation; oral presentations; and formatively through Q&A in lectures and practical classes. ILO6 – First year is intentionally designed to expose students to a range of ideas and theories within marine science, all of which underpin the integrated understanding of the global environmental system. Coursework and exams in core modules of first and second years are particularly relevant. ILO7 – Assessment will be through essay and review assignments in most modules at all years. Students are made aware of the marking criteria for all major pieces of work and receive detailed feedback on their performance. ILO8 – Assessment is primarily in the final year dissertation when skills learned in first and second years (field classes and key skills) are deployed independently towards a research question of the student’s choice and guided through close supervision by a member of academic staff. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. Work effectively independently and as part of a team | Personal transferable employment skills and knowledge are embedded in all modules. Methods include lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical laboratory and field skills, computer coding, data handling, independent reading and synthesis. | ILO9 – Independent work through written and oral assessments in all modules, and through examination assessment in all years. Teamwork: through group presentations and activities in field classes in first and final years, and in second year Key Skills. ILO10 – In the second year Key Skills module and final year dissertation. ILO11 – Data analysis tools are assessed in class tests for first year data handling, second year Key Skills, and final year dissertation and field course modules. ILO12 – Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all years. ILO13 – Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all years. ILO14 – Through critical writing tasks assessed in a range of modules through second and final years and in the dissertation. ILO15 – Explicitly through coursework in core modules in all years. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Study Abroad
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision | 01/05/2025 |
|---|
