BSc Hons Marine Biology

At Plymouth, learning marine biology isn’t just about sitting in lectures—it’s about getting your hands wet and your boots muddy. From day one you’ll be out in the field, collecting real data along the coast, exploring habitats, and learning how to use the same equipment that professional marine scientists rely on. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the kind of hands-on skills that employers and research teams look for.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Field courses & trips – In your first year you’ll explore local estuaries, sandy shores and rocky coasts, while in your second year you’ll head off on residential field courses, with opportunities abroad (such as the Algarve in Portugal) to study new habitats in depth.

• Marine Station & research vessels – Right on Plymouth’s waterfront, the Marine Station is your base for practical work. From here, you’ll head out on the University’s fleet of boats to collect water and seabed samples, run hydrographic surveys, and practice oceanographic techniques.

• Specialist labs & imaging facilities – On campus, you’ll work in cutting-edge labs like LABplus and molecular biology suites. You’ll also use high-tech imaging tools such as fluorescent and electron microscopes to explore marine organisms at the cellular level.

• Scientific diving – If you want to take your skills further, you can choose a professional SCUBA diving module that trains you for underwater surveys and sampling—a rare qualification that really sets graduates apart.

• Digital tools & software – Alongside field and lab work, you’ll gain experience using specialist software for ecological modelling, mapping seabeds, and analysing complex marine data, supported by the University’s dedicated computing facilities.

Graduating with a Marine Biology degree from Plymouth sets you up for a career where your skills really make an impact. Whether you see yourself protecting marine ecosystems, advising on environmental policy, or working at the forefront of marine research, this course gives you the hands-on experience and professional connections to get there. Typical graduate roles include Marine Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, or Research Assistant with leading organisations in the field.

Here’s how Plymouth helps you turn your degree into a career:

• Personal career support – The University’s Careers and Employability service is available throughout your degree and after you graduate, offering one-to-one advice, CV and interview prep, networking events, and employer connections tailored to marine sciences.

• Strong graduate outcomes – Around 94% of graduates are in work or further study soon after finishing their degree, with an average starting salary of about £22,000 just 15 months after graduation.

• Partnerships with world-class marine organisations – You’ll benefit from Plymouth’s close links with institutions right on your doorstep, including the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science. These partnerships often lead to networking, research placements, and real project opportunities.

• Work placements – In your third year, you can choose to take a placement with a partner organisation, gaining valuable real-world experience and a strong addition to your CV.

• Recognition & long-term value – This degree is taught at a university internationally known for its marine science expertise, giving your qualification weight wherever your career takes you.

Further Academic Progression:

Many students choose to continue their journey in marine science by studying for a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or MRes in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Aquaculture & Fisheries, or Conservation Science. For those drawn to advanced research, a PhD is the next step, opening doors to careers in academia, policy, or high-level consultancy.