BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Marine environments represent more than 95% of the world’s biosphere and supply 80% of the world's oxygen.
In 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 and overfishing.
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 a 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
Accredited by:
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
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Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Ecology, Plants and Human Impact – 20 credits
- Global Environmental Challenges – 20 credits
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography – 20 credits
- Planet Earth – 20 credits
- Quantitative Methods – 20 credits
- Science for Earth Systems – 20 credits
- SEGG Tutorial Programme – 0 credits
There are no optional modules this year.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring – 20 credits
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems – 20 credits
- Oceanography – 20 credits
- Research, Fieldwork and Professional Skills – 40 credits
- SEGG Tutorial Programme – 0 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Energy Resources and The Science of Zero Carbon – 20 credits
- Environmental Change – 20 credits
- GIS and Remote Sensing – 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Overseas Study (SEGG) – 60 credits
- Practical Boating Skills – 20 credits
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques A – 20 credits
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques B – 20 credits
Placement year (optional)
In this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in the 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:
- Dissertation – 40 credits
- Marine Ecology and Conservation – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Analytical Methods For Earth and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits
- Climate Change – 20 credits
- Conservation Biogeography – 20 credits
- Coastal Recreation - Planning and Management – 20 credits
- Environmental Assessment and Management – 20 credits
- Environmental Pollution and Waste Management – 20 credits
- European Study Tour – 20 credits
- Fisheries and Aquaculture – 20 credits
- Tropical Study Tour – 20 credits
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.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, although our coastal location means there are many placement opportunities nearby.
Previous students have completed placements at Dover Harbour Board and Portsmouth Water.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Study abroad
You’ll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities, including Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain), Universite du Havre, (Le Havre, France) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poznan, Poland). Studying overseas is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and experience the world as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying abroad as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Career 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 specialised 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
In 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.
What areas can you work in with a marine environmental science degree?
Previous graduates have gone on to work in areas such as:
- environmental consultancy
- sustainability
- 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
- fish health inspector
- marine conservation officer
- environmental policy officer
- coastal management officer
- wildlife protection officer
Ongoing careers support
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.
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