MSci Marine Sciences with a Year Abroad

Course Overview

This course is open for September 2024. If you are considering courses for September 2025, please refer to the broader courses in Environmental Science.

Explore the interconnected physical, biogeochemical and ecological systems that make the seas and oceans around the world such a rich and diverse environment.

The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and contains a huge range of ecosystems, from deep sea hydrothermal vents through to shallow estuaries. It is also a critical component of the integrated Earth system, playing a key role in the moderation of our climate, both now and into the future. Far from being a static pool, the marine environment is a dynamic and inherently interdisciplinary system, with complex feedbacks between physical, chemical and biological processes.

If you are fascinated by the marine environment, our Marine Sciences degree will take you on a journey through the global oceans. Along the way you'll discover the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to human activity, consider how marine resources may be used sustainably, and investigate the critical role of the ocean in mitigating climate change. In the process, you'll develop the critical professional and transferable skills required for a career in the blue economy. You'll then apply your knowledge and skills to contemporary environmental issues, such as predicting and mitigating climate change, plastic pollution and sustainably managing marine resources.

What’s more, this degree gives you the opportunity to spend your third year studying and living abroad with one of our university exchange partners in Australasia, North America or Europe. Going to a university in another country is your opportunity to experience other cultures and lifestyles, and to study in a department that specialises in different aspects of Marine Sciences.

In UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences you'll be studying at the forefront of innovative research in marine science, climate and sustainability and taught by world-leading scientists in these fields. Through the Collaborative Centre for Sustainable use of the Seas, UEA has strong links with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), who advise industry and the UK government on marine science and policy. Cefas lecturers are embedded in many of our modules and provide further insight into real-world applications of marine science.

Throughout the course you'll develop a wide range of professional and transferable skills, such as analytical problem solving, computing, scientific communication and collaborative research. These skills are highly sought after by marine industry employers for careers in the blue economy, including offshore wind, marine renewables, shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, but also for education, research, environmental consulting and other professional occupations.

Entry Requirements

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering

International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Employability

After graduating, you’ll have gained a unique skillset to take into a range of specialist marine and environmental careers. Our recent graduates work at the UK Met Office, British Antarctic Survey and Cefas. Alternatively, you might decide to continue your studies with an MSc or apply your research skills to a PhD.

Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career and skills throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you meet employers (including alumni), explore career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and graduate jobs.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Offshore wind and marine renewables
• Metocean forecasting
• Benthic surveying and habitat assessment
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Environmental consulting
• Government and university research

Discover more on our Careers webpages.