Program Overview

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Marine Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

Overview

Marine environments cover 70% of the Earth's surface and represent more than 95% of the world's biosphere. While human-induced threats continue, there's still so much to discover about this vital ecosystem.

On this BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science degree course, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), you'll develop your understanding of this vital resource and learn how to protect its delicate ecosystems from climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

F912

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical Offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 UCAS points from a specific Science subject

Study Mode and Duration

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich with work placement

Start Date

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

Marine environments cover 70% of the Earth's surface and represent more than 95% of the world's biosphere. While human-induced threats continue, there's still so much to discover about this vital ecosystem.

On this BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science degree course, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), you'll develop your understanding of this vital resource and learn how to protect its delicate ecosystems from climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

Course Highlights

• Investigate marine ecosystems in our environmental laboratories and Institute of Marine Sciences, our internationally renowned shoreside marine station packed with expert staff, a floating research platform, and purpose-built 318m2 aquatic centre
• Make the most of our coastal location with marine excursions on the Solent, and learn powerboating with the RYA or scientific and technical diving certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
• Have the chance to conduct research in places such as Somerset, Isle of Wight, Malta, Portugal, Malaysia, and Belize
• Build experience on a one-year work placement, or study abroad at one of our partner universities in Spain, France, or Poland

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (September 2025 start)

• A levels - BBB-BBC
• UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics)
• T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
• International Baccalaureate - 25

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

Institute of Marine Sciences

Explore the marine ecosystems of the Solent European Marine Site at our shoreside marine station, complete with floating research platform, £2 million aquarium, and laboratory suite.

Environmental Chemistry Analysis Laboratory

Use the equipment in this lab to identify and analyze chemicals and biochemicals in surface water, groundwater, and soil, so you can develop strategies to minimize and remove their harmful environmental effects.

Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation Laboratory

Investigate the geological and planetary processes that influence environmental change and natural resource formation in this lab, using our industry-standard spectrometers and laser ablation system.

Geochemistry Laboratory

Trace Earth and environmental processes in this lab, using techniques including palynology processing – the study of strewn particles – for acid dissolutions of rock matrices, sample sieving, and heavy liquid separation.

Careers and Opportunities

The world's oceans and seas are one of its most precious and biodiverse resources. Ongoing threats to these marine environments – such as waste dumping, climate change, dredging, and overfishing – mean the world needs people with the specialized scientific knowledge to safeguard marine resources for future generations.

This demand is growing too. In the UK alone, the number of jobs in environmental sectors has increased by 91% compared to 2016, and those who work in the environmental field can expect to earn at least 12% above the national average annual wage.

Working to Preserve Our Marine Resources

On this BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science, you'll study marine environments in depth, from the tiniest plankton to the massive effect of global warming on our oceans. You'll get to grips with essential tests and techniques, including the study of marine water quality, marine life, and pollutants.

When you graduate, you’ll be primed for a career anywhere in the world in areas such as marine environmental consultancy, marine conservation, coastal management, and underwater exploration and conservation.

You'll be able to apply for Associate Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and with more experience, you could work to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). Chartered Membership of the IES is required in many environmental careers.

You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level, such as with our MSc Coastal & Marine Resource Management.

Modules

Year 1

• Analysis of the Earth and Environment - 20 credits
• Ecology, Plants, and Human Impact - 20 credits
• Environmental Processes and Hazards - 20 credits
• Global Environmental Challenges - 20 credits
• How the Earth Works - 20 credits
• Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography - 20 credits

Year 2

• Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring - 20 credits
• Environmental Fieldwork and Professional Skills - 20 credits
• Marine Organisms and Ecosystems - 20 credits
• Oceanography - 20 credits
• Research Skills - 20 credits

Year 3

• Marine Ecology and Conservation - 20 credits
• Research Project - 40 credits

Optional Modules

• Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Sciences - 20 credits
• Climate Change - 20 credits
• Coastal Recreation - Planning and Management - 20 credits
• Conservation in A Changing World - 20 credits
• Environmental Assessment and Management - 20 credits
• Environmental Pollution and Waste Management - 20 credits
• Fisheries and Aquaculture - 20 credits

How You'll Spend Your Time

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Marine Environmental Science degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes, and workshops and external visits for about 12-15 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework, and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.

Supporting You

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone, and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students - £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students - £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
• International students - £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Additional Course Costs

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Compulsory fieldwork
• Compulsory project work
• Optional fieldwork
• Diving modules
• Boating module
• Placement year and study abroad tuition fees

Apply

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code - F912
• our institution code - P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities, and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies, and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

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