Marine and maritime courses

Bringing the sea to your campus
Coastal Processes Research Group Perranporth beach
The University of Plymouth has an international reputation in providing courses associated with the sea. Around 50 marine and maritime courses are taught on its campus or as foundation degree level courses provided by its partners within University of Plymouth's College network, including partnership with the Royal Navy (FOST HM). This makes us a provider of one of the widest portfolios of marine and maritime courses in Europe.
Around 2,600 of the University’s 30,000 registered students choose to study a degree with a marine or maritime theme. The Marine Institute acts as a gateway to the wide range of marine and maritime courses, but individual courses are organised and managed by the University’s faculties and schools.
Students on marine courses at the University of Plymouth have access to the state-of-the-art research laboratories and equipment, particularly in their final year project, in addition to excellent teaching facilities such as the library, modern lecture theatres and extensive computing provision.
Courses are often accredited by the relevant professional body and have a strong hands-on theme; the University is recognised as a leader in experiential learning – fieldwork, for example, is a vital and important component of environmental degrees. Away from the city campus, the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound, with its sheltered waters, provides a unique opportunity on our doorstep to study aspects of the sea.
It also offers unparalleled recreational opportunities for students, who can access the marine environment through our Marine Station and Mount Batten Watersports Centre. The city also has one of the largest sports centres outside London, the Life Centre, which includes a 50-metre Olympic standard pool part-funded by the University.
Plymouth is renowned as a centre for aquatic and marine sports and the Marine Institute supports a range of student and local marine and sporting activities.
Find out more about studying marine at the University of Plymouth
Link to Article: Marine degree courses, research and education in Britain’s Ocean City
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"> studying marine at the University of Plymouth .

Marine-themed courses at the University of Plymouth

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate taught programmes

Maritime-themed courses at the University of Plymouth

Postgraduate taught programmes

Student opportunities

The Marine Institute offers a wide variety of opportunities for students and early career researchers, supporting them to maximise their potential by recognising talent and by providing access to funding, training and external opportunities through partnerships.
Find out more about all available opportunities
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Ashfords LLP proudly supports students studying marine at the University of Plymouth

Continuing support from Ashfords has funded prizes
Link to Article: Ashfords Final Year Project Prize
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"> prizes for excellent final year research projects relating to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water, as well as scholarships
Link to Article: Ashfords Scholarship
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"> scholarships for postgraduate study to retain talented marine students in Plymouth. The bursaries
Link to Article: Ashfords Research and Training Bursary
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"> bursaries provide a unique opportunity for students to add to their experience and to develop their skillset, maximising their opportunities.
“I’m delighted that we are able to partner with Ashfords [...]. Marine is an area where the University and indeed, Plymouth in general are amongst the best in the world. We are rightly proud of the work our students do in this field and it is encouraging to have a local firm supporting and encouraging them in this way.” Professor Kevin Jones
Marine Science BSc students on a fieldtrip to Teignmouth in south Devon
Mount Edgcumbe - credit Trevor Burrows

Marine Research Plymouth Alliance PhD studentship

Shellfish on the hull of the ship. Molluscs, overgrown ship bottom, panoramic view - stock photo Getty Images

Solutions for the Marine Environment (SERVO) PhD studentships

Scenic view of train moving through rugged coastal area in evening at sunset. Credit: Lana2011, courtesy of Getty Images

Marine Institute Collaborative Research Visit Bursary

Malaysia [shutterstock_144941848]

Volunteer opportunities

The Marine Institute works in partnership with a number of external organisations who offer volunteer and internship opportunities to students. These allow you to gain additional research experience, usually in an overseas environment.
The Ocean Giants Programme is an initiative coordinated by the Manta Trust, enabling students to gain training and work experience in international marine megafauna conservation.
WorkingAbroad works with international NGOs at the forefront of marine conservation volunteering, wildlife and habitat conservation volunteering, environmental education and ecology volunteer programmes and internships.
For more information, view all our career development opportunities
Link to Article: Staff and student opportunities: career development and funding
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"> career development opportunities .