Cert HE Marine Biology with Conservation (Full time) University

Course information

This Cert HE course is designed to cater for students who have 48 or more UCAS points in any Level 3 qualifications. On successful completion of the Cert HE, you will be able to progress directly into the second year of our FdSc Marine Biology programmes.

The United Nations has proclaimed 2021-2030 to be the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Higher Education must now produce science graduates capable of realising the ambitious goals of this framework.

These graduates must be able to grasp the global scope and timeliness of the issues at hand, to undertake the science required that will provide answers to questions as they arise, then convey these faithfully and articulately to whichever audience needs to hear them.

You will be starting a journey on a marine programme like no other.

To our knowledge, no other degree programme in the UK has embedded the Ocean Literacy programme promoted by UNESCO to this extent. We can find no other course that has based a module around this programme by using the seven ocean literacy principles as Assessed Learning Outcomes.

You will be embarking on a programme of study which embeds science communication. In addition, other modules have learning outcomes that make the dissemination of marine scientific knowledge a core attribute.

You will be based in a fantastic rural campus in the heart of Newquay, with a small, family feel. The staff are research active and bring that expertise to the class.

You will be 10-30 minutes’ walk from a range of north Cornish coast habitats, a dive school with a range of dive courses on offer, a local and very active marine conservation group, a research-equipped vessel for coastal work and you will be 45 minutes’ drive from an additional range of south Cornish coast habitats. You will be four hours’ travel from the world-famous biodiversity hotspot of the Isles of Scilly. There are a number of marine protected areas on your doorstep in which to learn your subject area, including one on your doorstep – Newquay and the Gannel Marine Conservation Zone.

Finally, we have strong links with local conservation and marine organisations to develop your work-related experience, which is a very strong thread through the programme.

What You Will Learn

Modules include:

Our Ocean Planet
This 40-credit module encompasses the UNESCO promoted Ocean Literacy principles; integrating oceanography and marine ecology for a holistic understanding of our global ocean. Currents, weather and ocean chemistry are inextricably bound to, influence and are in turn are influenced by life in the oceans and on the land.

Skills for Scientific Success
The ability to “process and analyse” raw data, find patterns and communicate findings to others is a critical skill in the sciences. This module aims to produce students with the necessary toolkit to handle data, apply appropriate methods to establish patterns and to communicate findings to different audiences and/or stakeholders.

Marine Survey Techniques
In order to conserve the ocean, we must first understand it and to understand it we have to know how to explore it! This module is designed to introduce the skills needed to investigate marine life and habitats safely and responsibly. Theory of effective survey design is taught practically through a series of field and laboratory workshops. These will be reviewed and underpinned with class sessions to develop skills and understanding of survey design, data collection, data handling and analysis. Students will be introduced to the principles of GIS (Geographical Information System software) and how to use this to produce maps.

Fundamentals of Biology
This biology-based module provides students with an understanding of the key anatomical and physiological concepts and practical skills which underpin the study of marine organisms.

Diversity of Life
This module introduces the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the systems of taxonomy and classification that we use to understand it. The module will introduce the basic theories of evolution and by which it works.

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS Points at Level 3; Cs/4-5s at GCSE in English, Maths and Science. If not in English and Maths then Level 2 Functional Skills in Literacy and Numeracy.

If you are 21 or over, you are technically considered a mature student, and this gives a little more flexibility in terms of entry requirements. You will need the above GCSE/Functional Skills Level 2 requirements, but we have more flexibility for the Level 3 requirements. Get in touch if you are interested in this course and we can discuss your options, including completing an entry essay (which can help us both determine if you are ready for this level of study).

Work Experience

50 hours

Assessment

Mix of coursework, exam, test and practical

Progression

Second year of the Level 5 FdSc programme of the same name.

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.

Find out more about studying at Newquay

Find out more about our Newquay campus

Events

Open Event

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College Open Day

• 21 Jun 2025