Cert HE Marine Biology with Conservation (Part time)

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LOCATION & START DATE
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College - 15 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 4 Levels Explained
DURATION
Up to 5 days per week for 1 year
LEARNING AREA
Marine & Natural Environment Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Part-time
Newquay University Centre

Course information

Marine biology student next to tank at Falmouth Marine School 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.

(Note there is some flexibility in order or modules studied, in addition some module titles and content may change.)

First year modules include:

- Our Ocean Planet
- Skills for Scientific Success
- Marine Survey Techniques
- Fundamentals of Biology
- Diversity of Life

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).

50 hours

Mix of coursework, exam, test and practical

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.


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Tuition Fees: £4625.00
Per academic year for UK students. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
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Course Code 12080-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.

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