A course with a foundation year is for you if…
- You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
- You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
Key features
- This isn’t a detour – it’s the start of your higher education journey. This foundation year is an integrated part of a marine biology degree at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ. On successful completion, and subject to meeting the automatic progression criteria, you will progress directly onto Year 1 of your chosen degree pathway without needing to reapply through UCAS. With historical progression rates consistently exceeding 85%, the vast majority of students advance confidently into undergraduate study.
- You will benefit from over 25 years of expertise in science foundation courses at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ – courses that have consistently prepared students to succeed at degree level and beyond.
- The ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ is ranked in the top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023 – a reflection of our international reputation for excellence in marine education and research. This ranking specifically applies to our Ocean Science pathways.
- Get to know the people behind the science! You'll meet a wide range of lecturers from biology, marine biology, and ocean science and be introduced to cutting-edge research and current debates in the field, laying the groundwork for future specialisation.
- Think of this as your academic launchpad. While A-levels and Access courses get you through the door, this foundation year gets you ready to thrive. You'll master the skills needed to study at degree level from the very start – giving you the confidence, experience, and edge to hit the ground running when your degree begins.
- Your foundation year is eligible for standard undergraduate tuition fee loans through Student Finance. No upfront payment is required, making it a financially accessible route into higher education.
- Teaching is delivered at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ's main campus by the same academic staff who teach on our undergraduate degree programmes. You will not be based at a satellite site or tertiary college, ensuring full integration into the university learning environment.
- From the very beginning of your foundation year, you will have full access to the University experience – including participation in Welcome Week activities, comprehensive library and IT services, and the full suite of academic and pastoral support to ensure your success.
- Through tutorials and discussion sessions, we will support you in identifying the most suitable progression pathway aligned with your interests and aspirations.
- The foundation year forms an integrated component of the extended degree programme. While it does not confer a separate qualification, successful completion and achievement of the required progression criteria enables direct progression to Year 1 of your undergraduate degree.
Course details
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Foundation year
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This foundation year combines subject-specific learning in biology with core scientific skills in mathematics, statistics, and chemistry – providing the essential preparation for studying science at degree level. Alongside this, you’ll learn how to study at university level – gaining the academic skills, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in your chosen degree and take your first steps towards a career as a science professional.Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, with access to personal tutor as well as wider university support services. These include the
SUM:UP service for mathematics and statistics, theCharles Seale-Hayne Library , and theLearning Development team. Our support is designed to be flexible and responsive, recognising that students may require different types and levels of guidance throughout their studies.Core modules
FYM001
Becoming a Successful Global Scientist 30 creditsThis module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
FYM003
Introduction to Our Natural World 30 creditsThis module introduces students to the study of natural sciences and their fundamental importance as cornerstones of modern science. No prior knowledge is required or assumed. Emphasis is placed on building knowledge and understanding of core principles, in the context of a range of key contemporary issues. Hands-on learning experiences are included to support the development of practical skills.
50% Examinations
50% Tests
FYM005
Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World 30 creditsThis module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester, introducing a range of additional biological and marine concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in biology.
50% Examinations
50% Tests
FYM006
Sustainable Development Project 30 creditsThis module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
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Progression routes
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Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress onto Year 1 of one of the following three undergraduate degrees. Our degrees are built around experiential learning using our fleet of research vessels and coastal marine station.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff
32 - 48
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
Please contact us to inquire about your suitability for admission.
Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * | |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
*UK Government announcement on tuition fees
Following an , the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Additional costs
Tuition fees for optional placement years
How to apply
Help & enquiries
- Admission enquiries
- admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
- +44 1752 585858
Being more captivated by the vastness of the oceans and their processes than the anatomical and biological study of marine life, I knew that my academic thirst would be quenched by an ocean science degree. It’s only our second week in Plymouth, and we’re already on the boats; we’re already in the Marine Station; we’re already having a fantastic time using all of the equipment.
Marine Station

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People
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Dr Stacey DeAmicis
Lecturer in Marine Ecology (Education)
Programme Lead, Associate Head of School for Foundation Year
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Dr Kirsty Matthews Nicholass
Lecturer in Biology
Module Leader
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Dr Paul Hallas
Lecturer in Biology
Module Leader
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Dr Alison Turner
Lecturer in Chemistry and Environmental Geochemistry (Education)
Module Leader
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Dr Roy Lowry
Associate Professor (Teaching Fellow)
Module Leader
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Dr Craig Dedman-Jones
Lecturer in Environmental Science
SoGEES Programme Leader
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Dr Tim Daley
Associate Professor of Physical Geography
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Dr Jason Truscott
Learning Development Advisor
Learning Development
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Kim Davis
Information Specialist
Library Subject Specialist
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Mr Aaron Jessop
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Miss Laura Bachmaier
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Miss Lydia Bunn
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Ms Beth Harvey
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Miss Ella Ackroyd
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Mr Stanley Butt
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Ms Iman Ayesha Joll
Doctoral Teaching Assistant
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Miss Katie Rapson
Doctoral Teaching Assistant