BSc (Hons) Marine Conservation and Ecology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Marine Conservation and Ecology with Foundation Year adds a foundation year for applicants without traditional degree entry requirements, preparing them to progress onto Plymouth's conservation degrees.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Biological and Marine Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time (including foundation year; plus optional placement) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The foundation year combines biology with mathematics, statistics and chemistry and teaches university-level study skills. Modules are Becoming a Successful Global Scientist, Introduction to Our Natural World, Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World and Sustainable Development Project. After the foundation year students progress to the BSc, studying ecology, conservation and marine and social sciences with fieldwork in habitats including Dartmoor National Park and Plymouth Sound.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for conservation organisations and NGOs, government and regulatory agencies, marine industry and sustainable business, science communication and education, fieldwork and exploration, and research and academia, as well as environmental law, journalism and media, ecotourism and environmental education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above. Typical offer: 32 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A levels including a pass in a relevant science subject (for example Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Applied Science, Computer Science, Design Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Psychology, Sociology or Statistics). BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma: PPP in a relevant science subject. Access to HE: pass in a science-based Access diploma overall. T level: pass (D or E) in a science-related subject. International Baccalaureate: 24 points including grade 3 in one Higher Level relevant science subject. Contextual offers are typically 8 points below the advertised tariff.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition per year. Optional placement-year fees are charged separately and are excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,200 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition per year. Optional placement-year fees are charged separately and are excluded. Source

Duration: 4 years

Engineering