FdSc Marine Biology with Conservation degree

Course information

To us at Newquay University Centre Cornwall College, there’s nothing more exciting or enigmatic than our oceans. With so much still undiscovered, our marine habitats are the last of the wild frontiers left to explore. And with human impact on our underwater world at an all-time high, now is the crucial time to better understand and protect it. Our oceans need people who feel a shared desire to get involved with the big issues that we’re facing. To use science to challenge the status quo. To promote progressive change in the people around them through education and positive action.

For over 20 years, Cornwall College Newquay has inspired thousands of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide.

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.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s never been a more important time for you to explore your passion for the science of the sea. Take your next step here in Cornwall and join Generation Restoration.

This course is also available to study part-time over three years.

A brochure can be downloaded at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Marine-biology-with-conservation-approved.pdf  

This course is also offered with a Science Gateway option if you would like to study FdSc Marine Biology with Conservation but don’t have the right qualifications or grades to do so. Click here to find out more - https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/courses/marine-biology-with-conservation-with-science-gateway/  

What You Will Learn

(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

Second year modules include:

- Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation
- Marine Invertebrates
- Marine Biology in Practice
- Husbandry and Conservation of Aquatic Organisms
- Advanced Marine Survey Techniques
- Individual Research Project

*This course is also available to study part-time over three years.

Entry Requirements

Functional Skills GCSE (or equivalent)

L2 Literacy and L2 Numeracy

Minimum of Grade C/grade 4 in Maths, English Language and Science


AS/A Levels

64 UCAS tariff points to include A2 level in appropriate subjects

BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma
BTEC L3 Diploma



BTEC 90 Credit Diploma/Subsidiar
Diploma

64 UCAS tariff points – MPP grades in an appropriate subject
64 UCAS tariff points – MM grades in an appropriate subject

Work Experience

100 hours

Assessment

A variety of modes including, but not limited to, tests, essays, reports, film, podcasts, presentations, websites and posters.

Progression

Most students top up with either BSc (Hons) Applied Marine Zoology one-year top-up or BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management one-year top-up. Can also top up with BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology one-year top-up. All are based at Cornwall College Newquay.

The course is a recognised qualification and can lead to relevant jobs in the marine sector. However many jobs ask for BSc (Hons), therefore, applicants decide to undertake the top up BSc course.

We have a proud history of getting students into graduate level jobs: our graduates work for the Environment Agency, Natural England, IFCAs, councils, wildlife charities and public aquaria, they teach in primary and secondary schools, they deliver wildlife guiding, and some have even pursued a research career, with one now working at the internationally renowned Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and two currently in their PhD studies, one studying manta rays and the other researching at the prestigious Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. Graduates from our outgoing science communication FdSc, Wildlife Education and Media, have gone on to work at the RSPB, Newquay Zoo and the BBC, including for Springwatch. Many of these have been in Cornwall and the wider southwest - there are graduate-level jobs here and our students are getting them.

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

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