Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marine Conservation (Optional Placement) University of Plymouth, UK

Join this course from September 2026, and turn your passion for the ocean into a career: explore, protect, and restore marine ecosystems with our hands-on BSc Marine Conservation degree. 

From day one, you'll get hands-on with real marine science – heading into the field to carry out surveys and collect data from the natural world. Back in the lab and classroom, you’ll learn how to turn that data into powerful insights, while building a solid foundation in ecology and the amazing diversity of life. As the year progresses, you’ll explore how conservation thinking has evolved over time and start to understand the big ideas behind protecting species and habitats. You’ll also gain practical skills in mapping marine spaces and using data to support better conservation decisions. Along the way, you'll explore a range of fascinating ecosystems – from coral reefs and seagrass beds to deep-sea habitats and temperate rocky shores. It's the perfect start to becoming a marine conservationist.

In your second year, you'll deepen your understanding of how marine species are conserved and how human activity shapes ocean ecosystems. You’ll explore powerful ideas like citizen science, blue health, ocean literacy, and the blue economy—while developing real-world skills in surveying public opinion and analysing social science data. A dedicated research skills module kicks off the year, introducing you to advanced methods for studying marine life and the people connected to it. You’ll even design and run your own group mini-project on a conservation question that matters to you. You can tailor your experience with specialist options like satellite remote sensing, scientific diving, or applied ecology. To top it all off, you’ll get the chance to join one of our unforgettable residential field courses – either in the UK or overseas – putting your learning into action in truly inspiring environments.

In your final year, you’ll take the lead – designing and carrying out your own independent research project on a real-world marine conservation challenge. This is your chance to bring together everything you've learned to make a genuine impact. You’ll dive deep into the threats facing marine and coastal ecosystems, and explore the tools we use to manage and protect them. Alongside this, you'll gain a solid understanding of marine governance – looking at policies, agencies, and global strategies shaping the future of our oceans. You’ll also get the chance to specialise in areas that inspire you most, such as fisheries or marine mammal conservation, marine pollution, climate change impacts, animal behaviour, or the cultural connections coastal communities have with the sea. It’s your year to focus, specialise, and prepare to launch your career in marine conservation.