Undergraduate Study

BSc Marine Science - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.

BSc Marine Science - 2025 entry

UCAS code CF21
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Geography
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 725818
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: ABB-BBB
IB: 32/665-30/555
BTEC: DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBC-BCC
IB: 28/554 - 26/544
BTEC: DMM

Prof. Placement/Study Abroad:
A-Level: BBB - BBC
IB: 30/555 - 28/554
BTEC: DDM - DMM

Overview

  • Study marine science in Cornwall’s distinctive and diverse marine environment
  • Graduate with training in physical, biological, geological and environmental marine science through practical, hands-on modules 
  • Develop a strong core knowledge of oceanography which encompasses mathematical, coding, data analysis, writing, research, and field skills including conducting research at sea
  • Gain access to leading research groups including Exeter Marine as you develop pure and applied marine sciences research projects
  • Boost your employability with placement opportunities within the offshore sector and marine and environmental agencies

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Rosette icon

Top 50 in the world for Geography

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science

11th in the Complete University Guide 2025

Third icon

3rd in the UK for Geology

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Waves icon

Experience of fieldwork at sea on a research vessel is an integral part of the programme

Rosette icon

Top 50 in the world for Geography

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science

11th in the Complete University Guide 2025

Third icon

3rd in the UK for Geology

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Waves icon

Experience of fieldwork at sea on a research vessel is an integral part of the programme

The Oban field trip was fantastic, being able to collect the data on the boats then extract, process and analyse samples in the lab added so much context to the fieldwork. It was really great to see the research process from start to finish.

Abi

BSc Marine Science

I have always been a thalassophile – a lover of the seas and ocean. Marine Science is such a dynamic and exciting field and there is still so much to learn! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my modules which have been a combination of physical, biological and polar marine science – everything from microscopic phytoplankton to remote sensing from space!

Rada

BSc Marine Science with Professional Placement

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level ABB-BBB

AAB-ABB(with Study Abroad/Professional Placement)		 B in a science subject*
IB 32/665-30/555

34/665-32/655 (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement)		 HL5 in a science subject*
BTEC DDM

DDM-DMM (with Study Abroad only)		 Applicants studying one of the following subject areas in either the BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma or Extended Certificate will be considered without GCE A-Level Science: Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Applied Human Biology
GCSE C or 4 and B or 5 Grade C or 4 in English Language. Plus grade B or 5 in Mathematics.
Access to HE 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. To include 12 L3 Credits at Merit or higher in a Science subject area
T-Level Distinction - Merit

Distinction (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement)		 T-level in Design and Development for Engineering & Manufacturing OR Agriculture, Land Management & Production only.
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBC-BCC
IB: 28/554 - 26/544
BTEC: DMM

Prof. Placement/Study Abroad:
A-Level: BBB - BBC
IB: 30/555 - 28/554
BTEC: DDM - DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.
Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications
English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics. 

Course content

Marine Science is the holistic study of our oceans and their relationship with the Earth’s geology, atmosphere, polar ice and marine life.  The BSc Marine Science programme at Exeter covers a broad range of disciplines from physical oceanography, marine biology, marine biogeochemistry, geology, climate science, marine renewable energy to marine resource governance, oceans and human health, and law. In this way, you will gain a truly interdisciplinary favour with modules from several other departments contributing to both core and optional modules, including from: Ecology and Conservation, Law, Camborne School of Mines, and Renewable Energy Engineering.  And what better place to study Marine Science than in Cornwall with it’s beautiful coastal and varied marine environment.

Your first year equips you with core material relating to fundamental areas of marine science – physical/dynamical, biological and geological oceanography – and strengthens your fundamental data analysis, maths and field work capability.

The second year introduces optional modules that enable you to tailor your course to begin to specialise in one or two of the sub-components, and the third year provides you with research-led modules and a marine research project in the sub-component of your choice.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

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.

CodeModule Credits
BIO1433 Marine Biology 30
GEO1405B Earth System Science 15
GEO1419 Introduction to data science 15
GEO1420 Atmospheric and Oceanic Systems, Their Interactions and Importance 15
GEO1421 Marine and Environmental Science Field Course [See note a above]15
GEO1422 Marine Science Tutorials 15

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
BioP S1 BSc MS opt 2024-5
GEO1408B Global Issues in Environmental Science 15
GEO1423 Biodiversity and its Conservation 15
CSM1041 Quantitative Methods for GeoScientists 15
CSM1031 Earth and Environmental Chemistry 15

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 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.

c Module is 30 credits including Dorset Field Course.

d You may not take GEO2449 and LES2002 in the same academic year.

CodeModule Credits
GEO2441 Remote Sensing for Environmental Management 15
GEO2460 Environment and Sustainability on the Isles of Scilly [See note b above]15
GEO2448 Research Methods in Geography, Environment and Society 15
GEO2457 Physical Ocean Processes 15
GEO2461 Second Year Tutorials 15

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
BioP S2 BSc MS opt 2024-5 see notes 'c' and 'd'
GEO2451 Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans 15
GEO2467 Climate Change: The Physical Basis of the IPCC 15
GEO2463 Hazards and Human Society 15
BIO2432 Exploitation of the Sea 15
BIO2438 Marine Ecology 15
CSM2183 Sedimentology 30
GEO2440 Geographical Information Science and Systems 15
GEO2449 Green Consultants 15
GEO2450 Biogeography 15
ECM2911 Mathematics of the Environment 15
LAW2016C Environmental Regulation and Redress 15
LES2002 Workplace Learning 15
BIO2437 Biology of Aquatic Vertebrates 15
ECE2001 Oceans and Human Health 15
CSM2052 Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges 15

Find out more about placement and study abroad options under Course variants.

with Professional Placement

120 credits of compulsory modules 

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
GEO3324 Professional Placement 120

with Study Abroad

 120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
GEO3508 One Year Study Abroad 120

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

d You may not take GEO2449 and LES2002 in the same academic year.

e GEO3462 Dissertation in Marine Science is a 40-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).

f The field course module, GEO3463, compulsory. If you are unable to take the field course, you will be required to take another optional module.

CodeModule Credits
GEO3462 Dissertation in Marine Science [See note e above]40
GEO3463 Research Cruise [See note f above]15
GEO3471 Preparing to Graduate 5

Optional modules

d You may not take GEO2449 and LES2002 in the same academic year.

 

CodeModule Credits
BioP SF BSc MS opt 2024-5 see notes 'd' and 'e'
BIO3409 Symbiosis in Marine Systems 15
GEO2449 Green Consultants 15
GEO3455 Marine Climate and Environmental Change 15
GEO3466 Biological Oceanography 15
LES2002 Workplace Learning 15
GEO3454 Antarctica: Science from a Frozen Continent 15
BIO3433 Ocean Management and Conservation 15
ENE3003 Marine Renewable Energy 15
GEO3470 Marine and Coastal Social-ecological systems 15
GEO3461 Arctic Frontiers: Can We Preserve the Arctic Environment? 15
GEOM363B Themes in Climate Change 15
CSM3072 Climate change: Past and Future 15
LAW3301C Law and Policy for Sustainable Organisations 15

Course variants

UCAS code: CF23

Why choose a professional placement year?

In your professional placement year you will learn to apply the knowledge learnt during your first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance your employability. Work placements allow you to gain experience of a professional workplace prior to graduating and develop your career focus, and are extremely valued by employers.

Where can I do my placement?

On the professional placement between your second and final years, you will gain valuable experience by spending a year working within an organisation appropriate to your degree. We have established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions. Past placement organisations have included Oceanwise, UK Hydrographic Office, and Alfred-Wegener-Institut.

What support is available during my placement?

The module convenor provides support while you are researching and applying for positions and you are encouraged to consider a range of organisations, including consultancies, charities, NGOs, research institutes and universities.

Does it count towards my degree?

The professional placement year counts towards your degree through the completion of your placement and associated coursework. It contributes to your final degree classification, and the words ‘with Professional Placement’ will appear in your degree title.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more in the fees section. 

How do I apply?

You can apply to BSc Marine Science with Professional Placement directly through UCAS using the code above. 

How are the placements organised?

You are responsible for organising your own placement; however, we have established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions.

UCAS code: CF22

Why study abroad?

Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.

Where can I study abroad?

Our Study Abroad programme enables you to spend a year abroad at one of our partner universities across the globe. You can find a complete list of partner universities on the Study Abroad website.

What will I study whilst I am abroad?

Whilst abroad you will study approved modules at the host university to the value of 120 credits; these will be credited towards your degree, which you would then complete after four years of study rather than three.

Does it count towards my degree?

All assessments during the year abroad would be undertaken at the host university and would count towards your final degree. Upon return, you would then complete your degree in a fourth year (equivalent to the current Year 3 of our BSc Marine Science course).

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more in the fees section.

How do I apply?

To qualify for your Study Abroad year, we would expect you to have successfully completed your Year 1 studies with an average mark of at least 60%. Information about applying can be found on the Study Abroad website.

Further information

For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website.

Why study abroad?

Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.

Where can I study abroad?

On this four-year variant of the BSc Marine Science degree you will spend your third year at one of our international exchange partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, China or Japan.

You can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website.

What will I study whilst I am abroad?

Whilst abroad you will study approved modules at the host university equivalent to 120 Exeter credits; these will be credited towards your degree, which you would then complete after four years of study rather than three.

Does it count towards my degree?

Yes: your work during the year abroad is assessed and contributes to your final degree classification. The words ‘with Study Abroad’ will appear in your degree title and be recorded on your degree certificate.

During your first, second and final years of study, you will follow the same programme of study as the BSc Marine Science (see Course content).

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee for that year. Find out more in the fees section.

How do I apply?

You can apply directly to this programme through UCAS using the code above. To be eligible for a Study Abroad place, we would expect you to successfully complete your Year 1 studies with an average mark of at least 60%.

Occasionally it is possible to transfer onto this programme from the standard BSc Marine Science course in your second year, if you have appropriate language skills and have achieved a mark of 60% or more in year 1.

Further information

For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year

Year abroad

If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full academic year studying abroad, you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

Professional placement year

If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

Fieldwork

Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. 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 may also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Field courses and training at sea

Cornwall is an exceptional location to study issues related to the marine environment and the ocean. It is a perfect living laboratory which offers a diverse range of marine and coastal habitats, a wealth of natural resources, and creative and resilient communities to conduct fieldwork in.

Fieldwork is a key part of our Marine Science degree: taking learning into the field to explore the incredible marine and coastal landscapes in the region and beyond. Several modules, including day and residential field courses*, will allow you to develop key field skills, put these into practice, and gain new research skills.

Throughout your first year, local field trips will provide a comprehensive introduction to the marine and coastal environment and communities of the local region. Cornwall has an incredible diversity of cultural, ecological and physical landscapes, and the wider region has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high density of conservation areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has been recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) containing some of Britain's finest coastal scenery, including Land's End and the Lizard peninsula.

Observational oceanography requires research at sea and such seagoing experience is an integral component of this programme through modules taught at sea or involving sea time.

Find out more about Marine Science field courses

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 and biological ocean at sea, learn skills in surveying the near-shore environment.

Your marine fieldwork experience will culminate in your third year in a week-long residential field trip at Oban in Scotland focused entirely on oceanographic sampling and analysis of field observations. You will be given the opportunity to work onboard an oceanographic research vessel and deploy a range of equipment to sample the physical, biological and chemical characteristic of the marine environment. You’ll analyse your data both in the laboratory and using data analysis coding packages.   
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 marine focussed member of staff.

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.

Read more

Our trip to Oban was a valuable opportunity to learn from researchers at the top of their fields and in such beautiful surroundings. It was great to go through the whole process, from collecting our own data out on the boat, using top of the range equipment, to analysing the samples in the lab and finishing by evaluating our findings in a group presentation. The trip was an incredible bonding experience, and I really enjoyed getting to know my course-mates better as well as the staff from both Exeter University and SAMS.

Lidia

BSc Marine Science

Learning and teaching

Where will I study?

At the Penryn Campus in Cornwall you will be welcomed into an intimate and supportive learning environment that encourages enthusiasm and passion for your subject, and promotes interest in the global challenges we seek to address. You will benefit from a welcoming atmosphere, excellent student-to-staff ratios, small group tutorials and friendly, accessible staff. Research undertaken at the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) – which leads research into various aspects of the relationship between people and the environment – inspires much of our teaching.

How will I learn?

As you progress through the programme, you will develop the skills to pursue your own academic interests and gain a more nuanced appreciation of discipline areas in which our marine research staff have specialised. Our research filters directly into our teaching, and with fantastic student-to-staff ratios you will gain the opportunity to learn directly from world leading marine scientists. By the end of the degree, you will have the knowledge and expertise to lead your own research project and will graduate with all the essential transferable skills, including fieldwork at sea, that marine employers demand. You will also gain access to Exeter Marine, a world-leading marine science research group at the University.

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials and small group discussion meetings
  • Seagoing and field work
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Independent study
  • Access to the latest geographical information systems (GIS), mapping statistics and coding software
  • Interactive activities such as discussion forums and blogging
  • Virtual field trips which integrate video and audio data, maps, datasets, documents and published research
  • Access to detailed information about modules and learning outcomes through our virtual learning environment

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.

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
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

You will develop both a depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and experiences that will make you highly employable across a diverse range of careers.

These skills include:

  • Practical field and seagoing technical ability
  • Remote sensing
  • Data gathering
  • Information retrieval
  • Numerical modelling
  • Problem solving
  • Project planning and management
  • Organising and communicating information
  • Report production and presentation (written and oral)
  • Plus the ability to work effectively on your own and as part of a team.

Supporting your career in Marine Science

We put on a range of employability sessions for students which include:

  • career talks with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds,
  • career conversations and employability seminar series events with employers,
  • a Careers in Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection Careers and Networking event
  • visits to the Met Office and UKHO
  • an annual Careers Fair
  • and opportunities to access high-quality work placements through an employability optional module.

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.

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I’m doing a PhD in physical oceanography [or marine science] at the University of Cambridge. I research the impacts of climate change on Arctic Ocean circulation by analysing ocean data collected by under-ice probes and ships.

My interest in the oceans and climate stems from my degree at the University of Exeter, Penryn campus. The degree equipped me with a solid understanding of the Earth’s natural systems, and how they interact and relate to human activities. What inspired me the most was studying up-to-date issues of global environmental change and polar ocean systems. I also enjoyed growing my own research skillset, particularly in environmental fieldwork and data analysis. These skills have given me a great basis to continue my studies in marine science.

Read more from Kate Oglethorpe

Kate Oglethorpe

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