Marine Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

**This is a Connected Degree**<br/>Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after youve started your course.<br/><br/>**Overview**<br/>Marine environments cover 70% of the Earths surface and represent more than 95% of the worlds biosphere. On this BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science degree course, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), youll develop your understanding of this vital resource and learn how to protect its delicate ecosystems from climate change, overfishing and pollution.<br/><br/><br/>- Investigate marine ecosystems in our environmental laboratories and Institute of Marine Sciences, our internationally renowned shoreside marine station packed with expert staff, a floating research platform and purpose-built 318m2 aquatic centre<br/><br/><br/>- Make the most of our coastal location with marine excursions on the Solent, and learn powerboating with the RYA or scientific and technical diving certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)<br/><br/><br/>- Have the chance to conduct research in places such as Somerset, Isle of Wight, Malta, Portugal, Malaysia and Belize<br/><br/><br/>- Build experience on a one-year work placement, or study abroad at one of our partner universities in Spain, France or Poland<br/><br/><br/>**Accredited by:**<br/>This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).<br/><br/>**Careers and opportunities**<br/>The worlds oceans and seas are one of its most precious and biodiverse resources. Ongoing threats to these marine environments – such as waste dumping, climate change, dredging and overfishing – mean the world needs people with the specialised scientific knowledge to safeguard marine resources for future generations. <br/><br/>When you graduate, you’ll be primed for a career anywhere in the world in areas such as marine environmental consultancy, marine conservation, coastal management, and underwater exploration and conservation.<br/><br/>Youll be able to apply for Associate Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and with more experience, you could work to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). Chartered Membership of the IES is required in many environmental careers.<br/><br/>You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level, such as with our MSc Coastal & Marine Resource Management.<br/><br/>**What jobs can you do with a marine environmental science degree?**<br/>Roles our graduates have taken on include:<br/>- marine scientist<br/><br/><br/>- marine environmental consultant<br/><br/><br/>- environmental chemist<br/><br/><br/>- geographic information scientist<br/><br/><br/>- fish health inspector<br/><br/><br/>- marine conservation officer<br/><br/><br/>- environmental policy officer<br/><br/><br/>- coastal management officer<br/><br/><br/>- wildlife protection officer<br/><br/><br/>**Placement year**<br/>After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what youve learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation. <br/><br/>You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, although our coastal location means there are many placement opportunities nearby.<br/><br/>Previous students have completed placements at Dover Harbour Board and Portsmouth Water.<br/><br/>Whichever route you choose, youll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. Theyll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.

If you apply through Clearing, you'll be offered a guaranteed room in halls if you accept your offer within 24 hours of receiving it and apply for accommodation as a new full-time undergraduate student by 9am on 20 August 2025.<br/><br/>Sign up for Priority Clearing to get accommodation information straight to your inbox as well as access to Portsmouth's Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 7th August. Priority Clearing applicants will jump the queue on Results Day, get exclusive Clearing updates, invites to Portsmouth Prepare for Clearing Webinars and one-to-one application support.<br/><br/>Through the open day, students can get a feel for Portsmouth's welcoming campus and community before joining the university. With guaranteed accommodation, they can rest easy and ensure they are in the heart of the student community.