Our degree in marine science is the integrated study of the biological, physical and chemical aspects of our coasts and oceans. It covers marine biology and ecology, sea level change, marine geology, underwater archaeology, oceanography and ocean engineering, and the oceans as an economic resource and as a global climate regulator.
Oceans provide many opportunities for sustainable communities through renewable energy schemes, carbon sequestration and sustainable fishing. The Blue Economy (activities related to the ocean) is growing each year, and in 2018 was worth €566 billion while generating an estimated 3.5 million jobs across Europe.
Why do marine science with us?
- We have had 100% satisfaction from students in the National Student Survey for six years (2014-2019).
- 100% of our students get the option to complete a placement in industry or study abroad (i.e. we offer an optional placement year).
- 92% of our graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduating (DLHE, 2018).
- Our course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
- We are ranked 12th out of 66 UK universities for Geography and Environmental Studies (The Guardian 2019)
- We are located on the Coleraine Campus, minutes away from the spectacular Causeway Coast with lots of natural laboratories to explore including the open sea, estuaries, rivers, lakes, woodlands and uplands.
Students also have the option to extend their academic studies by electing to study abroad for a year or by working in industry/business. This additional year spent away from Ulster University is taken in the third year.
Learning outcomes
You are on campus five days per week. The contact time average is 16 hours per week, 24 hours per week average independent study including academic assessment.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Teaching is through a range of methods such as lectures, seminars and tutorials but with an emphasis on practical and field work. Students are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Each module adopts its own assessment strategy and may include one or more of the following: essays; literature reviews/critical reviews; laboratory reports; fieldwork reports; field notebooks; individual and group project reports; problem analysis; research projects/dissertations; individual and group oral and poster presentations; class tests; web-site design and examinations.
Graduates from this course are now working for:
- AgriFood & Biosciences Institute (AFBI)
- Marine Institute
- Loughs Agency
- Fugro
- HR Wallingford
- ARUP
- ABCO Marine
With this degree you could become:
- Marine biologist
- Marine geologist
- Underwater archaeologist
- Coastal engineer
- Hydrographic surveyor
- Chemical oceanographer
- Fisheries scientist
Prerequisites
BCC preferably including STEM subject/science A-level
STEM subjects include Geology, Geography, Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Technology/Science, Physical Education, Single Award Science, ICT, Nutrition and Food Science, Software Systems Development, Single Award Life & Health Sciences. Applied Science Double Award also acceptable.
Provided the above subject requirements are met you can substitute a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University for one of the A level grades.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
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