Program Overview

BSc (Hons) in Applied Marine Science

KEY FACTS

• Faculty: School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
• Study Options: Full Time
• Start Date: Sept 2025
• Course Length: 3 Year
• Qualification: BSc (Hons)
• Fees: All Students: £9,535 per annum
• Apply: Applications are now open.
• Placement Option: No

About this programme

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Marine Science is designed to produce highly-skilled graduates capable of addressing the complex ecological challenges of the 21st Century. The programme integrates academic knowledge with employability, considering the demands of employers, industry, and student career aspirations. Through a combination of research-led teaching and practical experience, the course provides students with the skills necessary for success in various marine science careers. Practical learning is emphasised through fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and field courses, ensuring students develop hands-on experience alongside their theoretical studies. Graduates will emerge with the critical thinking and technical abilities required for careers in marine science and related industries.

Successful completion of this course would equip students with the knowledge base and skills to be effective researchers, managers and planners in marine coastal environments, with particular specialisms in strategies and approaches for conservation of marine species and habitats. Such skills would be sought after in careers such as biological and environmental conservation, marine coastal management and planning, marine coastal engineering and policymaking.

Key features

• Employability skills and practical elements embedded throughout the programme
• Includes international field trips – Yr 1 & Yr 2
• Working with local stakeholders
• Collaborations and guest lectures from international experts and practitioners
• Tutorial based module per year focussing on smaller tutorial-based discussion groups that allow for interactive learning and student-centred learning
• Small class sizes (<30 students)
• Learn from internationally-recognised research experts

Modules

Year 1

• Fundamentals of Marine Ecology and Oceanography
  • In this module, students will explore the diversity of marine life, how animals and flora interact with environmental conditions in marine ecosystems, as biological interactions respond to chemical processes in oceans.
• Integrative Studies in Applied Science – Tutorial based
  • This module is designed to provide students with a small group-based dynamic way of learning within a traditional tutorial style setting.
• Global Climate Change
  • Global anthropogenic Climate Change is the most pressing environmental challenge.
• Quantitative & Qualitative Research skills and methods
  • This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts, techniques, and methods used in both quantitative and qualitative environmental research.
• Marine Vertebrate Biology, Ecology & Conservation
  • This module introduces students to the biology, ecology, and conservation of marine vertebrates, with a focus on key taxa such as cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), sharks, and marine birds.
• Applied Marine Science Field Course 1
  • This module introduces students to the practical aspects of marine science through hands-on fieldwork and data collection in coastal and marine environments.

Year 2

• Digital Imagery applications in Applied Marine Science
  • This module introduces students to the application of digital imagery technologies in the field of marine science, with a focus on ecological surveys, habitat mapping, and biodiversity monitoring.
• Integrative Studies in Applied Marine Science - Tutorial based
  • This tutorial-based module offers students an opportunity to explore applied marine science through in-depth discourse centred on contemporary case studies.
• Deep sea Biology, Ecology & Conservation
  • This module provides an in-depth exploration of the biology, ecology, and conservation of deep-sea ecosystems.
• Research skills and methods for the modern-day Scientist
  • This module provides marine and environmental students with essential research skills and data analysis methods, enabling students to work effectively with large datasets, analyse environmental patterns, and model scientific data.
• Capstone - Research project planning
  • This module is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan and design a research project.
• Applied Marine Science Field Course 2
  • This module offers an immersive field-based learning experience designed to deepen students’ practical understanding of marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Year 3

• Evolutionary Ecology
  • This module explores the intersection of evolutionary biology and ecology, emphasising how evolutionary principles can be applied to contemporary environmental and conservation challenges.
• Contemporary topics in Applied Marine Science
  • This module explores key contemporary issues and challenges in marine science balancing the need for conservation and restoration and the rapid growth of the Blue Economy.
• Addressing 21st Century Global Biodiversity Challenges
  • This module explores key contemporary issues and challenges in marine science, with a focus on the rapid growth of the Blue Economy.
• Marine Policy, Conservation & Spatial Planning
  • This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of marine policy, conservation, and spatial planning and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in the context of biodiversity loss and habitat degradation.
• Applied Marine Science – Independent Research Project
  • This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth research project in applied marine science.

Entry Requirements

• A level applicants: 104-144 points from a minimum of 3 A levels, including Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects.
• International Baccalaureate: 30-36 overall, to include Higher Level Biology and preferably further relevant Science subjects.
• Access course: Science related Access Diplomas are considered. Must include a minimum 15 credits in Biology units, plus 15 credits in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology or Psychology.
• GCSE: All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.
• International qualifications: We welcome applicants offering a wide range of international qualifications. Applications are considered on an individual basis, depending on the subjects studied.
• English Language Requirements: An overall IELTS test result of 6.5, including a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-tests. Equivalent awards will be considered.