BSc (Hons) Applied Marine Zoology (top up) degree

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LOCATION & START DATE
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College - 17 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 6 Levels Explained
DURATION
1 year
LEARNING AREA
Marine & Natural Environment Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Full-time
Newquay University Centre

Course information

dolphin and turtle underwater on reef What is more exciting or enigmatic than the life in our oceans? We still know so little about this alien world which makes up 98% of the living space on our planet, but with technology developing at such a pace more and more discoveries are being made. It is an exciting time to be involved in any aspect of marine science; a crucial one too, as our impact on the world’s oceans has never been greater.

Foundation degree students who wish to progress to an honours degree can apply for third year entry to our top-up programme. You will need to have studied an appropriate foundation degree programme. The BSc has been designed to develop your interest and hone your professional skills to equip you for work in a growing industry.

Situated on the beautiful coast of North Cornwall we are perfectly located for fieldwork and we have a strong practical element running through the programme. You will get hands-on experience in using sampling and survey equipment, as well as planning and undertaking marine surveys: from plankton trawls, to underwater video mapping and offshore marine life surveys.

During your studies you will develop your understanding of marine animals; working from cellular processes up to whole organism and ecosystem levels. In Year 1 you will receive a firm grounding in aquatic ecology, marine and biological science as well as developing practical survey skills before moving on to more specialised modules, such as fish ecology and marine vertebrate biology and conservation in your second year. In your final year, you will choose from options such as GIS and marine environmental management, monitoring marine ecosystems and marine pollution and ecotoxicology as well as undertaking your own research for your honours project.

Cornwall is a fantastic place to study marine biology. Where else will you find such a wide range of aquatic habitats within walking distance of where you study? There’s wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries. You’ll be living with a Marine Conservation Zone in your back yard. Not to mention, the even wider variety of habitats accessible to you just a short drive away.

This unique location has cultivated a vibrant conservation community to match the surroundings, and your passion for the sea will be in good company. Students can take their pick of what to get involved in, benefiting from our strong ties with likeminded groups, charities and businesses such as Blue Reef Aquarium, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, Newquay Marine Group, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and many more. We also have guest lectures and visits incorporated into all modules which keeps our content even more contemporary and relevant.

You can study the final year (level 6) of Applied Marine Zoology to top up your foundation degree to a BSc. The FdSc or equivalent would need to be in a suitable subject – contact us to discuss further. The course is also available as a full three-year degree - Click here for details - https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/courses/bsc-hons-applied-marine-zoology-degree/  

Core:
• Monitoring Marine Ecosystems
• GIS and Marine Environmental Management
• Honours Project

Optional (two from):
• Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology
• Conservation Project Management
• Applications of Zoology
• Conservation Genetics*
• Communicating Zoology

(* prerequisites required)

Entry Requirements for BSc top-up (entry to year 3)

240 credits with 120 at level 5 from a relevant Foundation Degree, HND, or equivalent in an appropriate subject.

All qualifications and subject grades will be considered on an individual basis. Some qualifications may require additional bridging modules.

Assessment includes coursework (approximately 70%) and exams/tests (30%). It is vitally important to build your communication skills as a scientist, so coursework is varied and includes a range from the conventional mediums like scientific reports, posters, presentations & essays to less traditional formats like film, podcasts, web content and social media.

It is the UN decade of the ocean and habitat restoration, this vital time for marine conservation activity is mirrored by the increasing interest in the marine world by the UK government and also different industries; some more sustainable than others. The variety and number of career opportunities in this field are expanding rapidly. Possible Careers - Marine Biologist - Marine Education Officer - Fisheries Officer - Marine Technician - Marine Ecological Consultant - University Researcher - Wildlife Guide Examples of recent graduates: marine manager for Natural England, project lead for Manta Trust in Chagas Islands, PhD student with the Marine Biological Association, wildlife guide with Padstow Sea Safaris, aquarist at Blue Reef aquarium Newquay.

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College is a small but vibrant campus specialising in university level courses focussing on the environment. For over 20 years, we have inspired hundreds of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide. Our dedicated higher education campus is home to the marine science, zoology and surf stars of the future.


Championing #generationrestoration, this campus may be small, but its students and staff have a big impact on our planet and its future wellbeing. Likeminded individuals come together to undertake international, award-winning research, meaning when their incredible time at Newquay is done, they move onto fantastic and important careers.


It’s why you should definitely consider Newquay University Centre Cornwall College for your #careercollege experience.


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Tuition Fees: £9250.00
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Course Code 10013-NQY-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

BSc (Hons) Applied Marine Zoology (top up) degree Level 6 Newquay University Centre Cornwall College https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/GettyImages-507626486-scaled.jpg MarineZoology, Zoology, AppliedMarineZoology
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