Marine Environmental Science (Hons)

Overview

What you’ll experience

• 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

Work experience and career planning

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 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 

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.

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.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• laboratory work
• workshops

You'll be taught in small classes in an informal, friendly and supportive atmosphere.

How you're assessed

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.

The way you're assessed will depend on the modules you select throughout your course. Here's an example from a previous academic year of how students on this course were typically assessed:

• Year 1 students: 52% by written exams, 8% by practical exams and 40% by coursework
• Year 2 students: 43% by written exams, 12% by practical exams and 45% by coursework
• Year 3 students: 26% by written exams, 8% by practical exams and 66% by coursework

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).