BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year

Expand your knowledge of the oceans with the BSc (Hons) Ocean Sciences with Foundation Year. During this new four-year degree route you will explore the diverse range of open ocean, coastal, hydrographic and conservation specialisations this course offers. If your current qualifications dont allow you direct entry to degree level or if you have been out of formal education for some time, this course is for you.

Study the physical, biological, chemical and mathematical principles that underpin the marine sciences.
Build your confidence as an independent learner as you develop research, analytical and scientific reporting skills throughout the year.
Learn about current issues in marine sciences from research-active staff who are passionate about their subjects.
Study under the guidance of a personal academic tutor from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences.
Subject to successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0), choose from progression routes that will help you gain a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science with options to develop specialist skills in marine conservation, oceanography or hydrography.

Experience the university life right from the start, being taught by staff who teach on the degree courses.

Practical sessions are held in our well-appointed laboratories.

Excellent mathematics support via SUM: UP drop-in centre.

The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

4 years (plus optional placement) Full Time.

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

The foundation year is intended for highly motivated students who wish to study the marine sciences, but who do not yet meet the usual criteria for entry to the first year of our honours degree courses.
A level: 32-48 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, including at least one pass in a relevant science subject: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography. Excluding General Studies.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma PPP in a science related subject. 12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma MP in a science related subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access: pass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukfor further advice.
T level: Pass Science pathway, plus GCSE Maths grade 4/C or above.
International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 1 subject from science such as biology/human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. English and mathematics must be included.
GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at Level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level).

TOEFL IBT 76
Minimum Component Scores - Component scores of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18

IELTS 6.0
Minimum Component Scores - 5.5 in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing)