BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration and Surveying at University of Plymouth

BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration and Surveying is a three-year full-time degree accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), training students in hydrographic surveying and ocean exploration using the University's survey vessels, industry-standard equipment and uncrewed surface vehicles. An optional HSE Professional SCUBA qualification and scientific diving module are available.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering  |  Department: School of Biological and Marine Sciences  |  Duration: 3 years (plus optional placement year)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 involves collecting and working with live marine data from the University's research vessels from the first week. Year 2 gives advanced training in survey equipment with emphasis on seafloor mapping, marine positioning, underwater acoustics and digital mapping, alongside coastal physical processes. The final year focuses on hydrographic surveying in coastal and offshore environments, including marine autonomy, surveying for renewable energy, offshore construction and resource management, with a residential fieldtrip or overseas study opportunity.

Career pathways

Graduates enter the hydrographic industry in the offshore survey sector, marine autonomy, environmental consultancy, marine renewable energy, coastal management and construction, marine resource management and research. Examples include oceanographic consultancy, postgraduate research, coastal management agencies, offshore renewable energy and the Meteorological Office.

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