Marine Environmental Science
University of Portsmouth
UCAS Code: F912 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
We also accept other combinations equivalent to 112-128 Tariff points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, with a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at grade B.
112-128 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Science).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 48-54, to include a Principal Subject in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at M2.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above, or equivalent/GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
27 points from the IB Diploma, to include 3 Higher Level subjects, with 6 points from a Higher Level in a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics). 4 points from Standard Level English and Mathematics (if not passed at GCSE grade C or above).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4-H2,H2,H3,H3,H3
To include a Higher Level Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at H3.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
Must be in a Science based subject.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Science based subject.
112-128 Tariff points to include a Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at grade C.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Overview**
Marine environments represent more than 95% of the world’s biosphere and supply 80% of the world's oxygen. On this professionally accredited BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science degree course, you'll develop your understanding of this vital resource and learn how to protect its delicate ecosystems from climate change and overfishing.
You’ll graduate primed for a career in areas such as marine environmental consultancy, marine conservation, coastal management, and underwater exploration and conservation. You'll also set yourself up to continue your studies at postgraduate level.
**Accredited by:**
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
**What you'll experience**
On this course you'll:
- Study marine environments, from the tiniest plankton to the massive effect of global warming on our oceans
- Make use of our laboratories and beachside Institute of Marine Sciences, packed with expert staff, advanced analytical equipment, and experimental and aquarium facilities
- Get to grips with essential tests and techniques, including the study of marine water quality, marine life and pollutants
- Make the most of our location on Hampshire's coastline and put what you've learnt to the test with boat trips on the Solent and field trips to surrounding areas
- Do a final year independent research project based in the UK or abroad and consider the ethical issues connected to the project and health and safety requirements
You can also:
Conduct research in places such as Somerset, Isle of Wight, Malta, Portugal, Malaysia and Belize
- Learn specialist skills while you study, such scientific and technical diving in module certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
- Spend time studying abroad at one of our partner institutions – these include Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain), Universite du Havre, (Le Havre, France) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poznan, Poland)
**Careers and opportunities**
The ongoing threats to our natural environment mean the world needs people with the specialised scientific knowledge to safeguard marine resources for future generations. This means you'll have plenty of job opportunities after the course.
**What can you do with a Marine Environmental Science degree?**
Previous graduates have gone on to work in areas such as:
- environmental consultancies
- sustainability specialists
- underwater exploration
- conservation
- wildlife protection
- coastal management
**What jobs can you do with a Marine Environmental Science degree?**
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- Marine Scientist
- Marine Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Chemist
- Geographic Information Scientist
- Marine Conservation Officer
- Environmental Policy Officer
- Fish Health Inspector
- Coastal Management Officer
- Wildlife Protection Officer
- You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level
When you finish the course you can apply for Associate Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and get Chartered Membership of the IES within 4-5 years, with appropriate work experience. Chartered Membership of the IES is required in many environmental careers.
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Ecology
- Plants and Human Impact
- Environmental Systems
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography
- Planet Earth
- Quantitative Methods
- Science for Earth Systems.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring
- Environmental Fieldwork and Professional Skills
- Research Design and Data Analysis
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems
- Oceanography.
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Energy Resources
- GIS and Remote Sensing
- Environmental Change
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques (PADI-accredited)
- Practical Boating Skills (Royal Yacht Association accredited)
- Introduction to Teaching.
Placement year (optional):
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Environmental Science Dissertation
- Marine Ecology and Conservation.
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Climate Change
- Environmental Auditing and Assessment
- Environmental Conservation
- Environmental Pollution and Waste Management
- European Study Tour
- Global Climate Change in Marine Systems
- Tropical Study Tour
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed through field work or lab notebook recordings, reports, essays, site surveys, computer-based exercises, posters, oral presentations.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Science and Health
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Environmental sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Environmental sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Geography, earth and environmental studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£26k
£27k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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