BSc (Hons) Ocean Science (with Placement)

Ocean Science encompasses the study of all aspects of the global marine environment, from estuaries and coasts to the deep ocean. It involves the application of specialist scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics) to observe and to understand the diverse and often complex processes governing the Earth-Ocean-Atmosphere system. This degree provides a rigorous multidisciplinary foundation together with more specialised training offered across a wide range of marine topics. The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a scientific career applied to the sea and places a strong emphasis on practical and field skills. The high degree of flexibility and choice allows students to develop their own particular strengths and interests and move on into a wide range of careers. Students are able to decide which area of Marine Science interests them most and choose modules accordingly with options in Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics.The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with an organization relevant to your degree subject. Previous and current students have worked with a wide variety of placement providers, ranging from private companies to educational organizations, charities, government authorities and non-governmental organizations. Our students who have undertaken a placement year have highlighted how the experience has helped them to develop invaluable networks, confidence and life experience as well as subject knowledge and skills that have boosted their employability.The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of their second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.