FdSc Marine Biology with Conservation degree – Part Time

Ask a Question Course Brochure How to Apply 
LOCATION & START DATE
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College - 15 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 5 Levels Explained
DURATION
Spread over upto 5 days per week for 3 years as infill on the full time course
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 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, Newquay University Centre Cornwall College 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 full-time over two years - https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/courses/fdsc-marine-biology-with-conservation-degree/  

First year 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.



Second year modules include:

Marine vertebrate biology and conservation
This module explores the functional biology of marine vertebrates, focussing especially on key conservation flagship species from fish, marine reptiles, seabirds and marine mammals. The feeding, physiological and morphological adaptations to the marine environment, locomotion and migration, social and reproductive behaviour will be explored using case studies and related to their conservation. Classwork and some focused fieldwork allows the development and evaluation of field skills, survey techniques and technology used to monitor these species.

Marine invertebrate biology and conservation
This module provides an introduction to the biology and ecology of key marine invertebrates including cnidarians, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms with particular reference to local species in Cornwall and south-west England. Emphasis will be directed towards unique adaptations and characteristics of the key phyla as well as major conservation issues surrounding marine invertebrates. Visits to local businesses allows the exploration of aquaculture and stock enhancement of populations alongside techniques and strategies for monitoring stocks.

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.

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.



Third year modules include:

Marine Biology in Practice
It is important that the ocean scientist is able to communicate what they have learned to the wider public. However, that learning is also valuable to the scientist: this is the accrued experience that will allow them to progress to future employment. This module teaches students how to educate the public, and also to record and reflect on experiences that benefit themselves.

Marine Resources Innovation and Management
In this module we learn about the range, impact and potential of historical and present exploitation of marine resources. We consider this in the light of contemporary environmental and political constraints and, given these, devise a new marine product or service.

Husbandry and Conservation of Aquatic Organisms (optional module)
Aquaculture in its many forms can have important benefits for humans and conservation, conversely it has many negative impacts also. This module addresses the husbandry of aquatic life from the small practical details of home aquaria to the industrial scale of public aquariums and fish farms. It also explores the conservation issues surrounding focal species and their habitats.

Field studies in marine systems
This module builds on the skills taught in the first year in order to enable students to design surveys and carry out scientific study of marine habitats and species work effectively, safely and responsibly. The rapidly growing developments in technology used will also be appraised and evaluated.

Individual Research Project
This module gives students the opportunity to conduct their own research project. Student involvement and responsibility stretches from project conception and planning, literature research, analysis and interpretation of data to report writing and presentation. It addresses key skills in research design and data handling.

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/Subsidiary Diploma

64 UCAS tariff points – MPP grades in an appropriate subject

64 UCAS tariff points – MM grades in an appropriate subject

100 hours

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

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


Newquay University Centre

Start your application

Course type University
Tuition Fees: £6357.00
Per academic year for UK students. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
Financial support for University students
Ask a Question Download a course brochure
Share

Course Code 12032-NQY-25, 12032-NQY-24

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.

FdSc Marine Biology with Conservation degree – Part Time Level 5 Newquay University Centre Cornwall College https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/FMS-MARINE-ALUMNI-Jasmin-Rose-scaled.jpg marine, biology, marinebiology, conservation, oceanography, wildlife, sea, environment, environmental, ocean, science, FdScMarineBiology
Cornwall College Career Dashboard

Why choose a career in Marine & Natural Environment?

Marine Scientist

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Marine Scientist

Marine Conservationist

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Marine Conservationist

Aquarist

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Aquarist

Oceanographer

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Oceanographer
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
242526272812345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123456