Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geography with Ocean Science (Optional Placement)

at University of Plymouth United Kingdom

Discover the core principles of human geography while also exploring key international political and economic issues. In your geography modules you study the relationships between people, place and environment, while in International Relations the focus is on understanding the international political landscape. Gain knowledge and skills our supportive academic staff who are expert researchers in their field. Study abroad, international field trips and placement opportunities are available.

Our geography degrees make the most of geography’s strengths in tackling head on the biggest global challenges we face. Modules have been designed to address many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – developed by the UN as the 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all' – all of our degrees are fully accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

Key Features

• Our newly designed Geography curriculum places sustainability challenges at the centre, with modules designed to help address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• Choose from an exciting range of human geography and international relations choice modules.
• Our supportive staff are expert researchers and many are world leaders in their field.
• Teaching is innovative and student-centred. You will learn through lectures, seminars, practicals, national and international residential fieldwork, tutorials and one-to-one dissertation support.
• Learn to use Geographical Information Systems to analyse and communicate complex spatial data.
• Take advantage of a wide range of study abroad possibilities in Europe, North America and Australia.
• Experience a valuable work placement programme, opening up a range of career opportunities such as consultancy, policy development and management, teaching, planning and conservation.
• LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.
• We’re very proud of our National Student Survey (NSS) 2020 return which shows student satisfaction overall at 96 per cent for human geography.
• Benefit from our unique location, in the heart of the historical city of Plymouth, bordered by Dartmoor National Park as well as the Tamar Valley and South Hams Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Devon and Cornwall have glorious beaches, coasts, rivers and estuaries.

Discover how and why underlying issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, societal inequities and politics create the international framework in which security conflicts emerge. Gain a sophisticated understanding of the dynamics that drive global politics, and the ability to use this knowledge in fields as diverse as diplomacy, journalism, finance, industry, public relations and risk analysis.

You'll look at both the theory and practice of international relations in terms of the threats to, and vulnerabilities of, global security and development. Three compulsory modules will give you a basis for understanding global security, global governance and how to conduct advanced research. You'll then choose three specialised modules, giving you the opportunity to shape your degree to suit your interests. The certificate and diploma are available for those only completing part of the progression route. For the masters degree, you’ll complete a final dissertation on a specific aspect of the current security and/or development problems confronting policymakers in world politics. You’ll undertake a research and methodology module to support your masters research and equip you for your career. Learn through lectures, seminars and, in some cases, simulation exercises. Assessment of modules will be by a mixture of essays, seminar presentations, report writing, exams, and the dissertation.

Key Features

• Gain a understanding of such topical issues as global politics, the rise of religious fundamentalism, human rights, world trade, poverty and climate change.
• Take the opportunity to study the politics of several world regions – Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia – and critically debate their different perspectives.
• Attain invaluable research skills – by studying this programme you will be able to conduct and present an extended piece of research.
• Tailor your masters to match your career aspirations by choosing the subjects that most interest you from a range of elective modules.
• Become part of a lively research community with the opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration. Several of our students have gone on to work as research assistants.

Create your own apps, games, virtual and mixed reality solutions to build your profile as a versatile developer. This course challenges you to innovate in the games sector while applying your highly transferable skills using game technologies to solve real world problems. Work individually and as part of a team, establishing your portfolio and career trajectory.

Have you Considered

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science 
• BSc (Hons) Computing and Software Development 
• BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Key Features

• Create an impressive portfolio of tech demos, indie game releases, and client projects for multiple platforms (working on live projects with real clients). 
• Experience the full development cycle from initial concept through design process and implementation to final project delivery and product release. 
• Join our established developer community, participate and compete in exhibitions and national events such as the Explay festival, TIGA Game Hack, Explay Gamejam and Global Game Jam and establish your developer profile. 
• Seeking accreditation by BCS for 2020, The Chartered Institute for IT. We are a member of TIGA, the trade body for the games industry 

It’s often said that the best way to see the future is to understand the past. History at Plymouth will help you do just that, giving you the tools to make a difference to tomorrow. Explore five centuries of history, from the Tudors to contemporary history. Study in 'Britain's Ocean City', one of the UK's most historic ports, and chart your course to the future with our partnerships with organisations like The Box and National Trust.

Key Features

We’re very proud of our National Student Survey (NSS) 2019 return showing 87% expressed overall satisfaction with the course.

92% agreed the course is intellectually stimulating and staff are good at explaining things.
98% expressed that they have been able to contact staff when they needed to.

• Enhance your career options with a degree that helps you develop highly sought-after analytical and communication skills while you home in on your passion.
• Participate in local/day, national and international field trips which are free or subsidised for all students
• Gain workplace experience with local public history and heritage sites so you can kick-start your career as soon as you graduate.
• Plot your own course through the centuries as you take the lead in your research projects and choose areas of study from our flexible range of modules, creating a tailor-made degree.
• Our international exchange programme gives you the opportunity to travel and spend either a semester or an entire year exploring history with one of our partner institutions in the US or Europe
• Explore history with your friends and course mates by joining the History Society, a lively and supportive community hosting educational and social events.
• Discover the most up-to-date ways of studying history through our online history resources including a vast eBook library, and array of online lectures and resources.

Do you dream of building a suspension bridge or designing earthquake-proof buildings that save lives? Civil engineers imagine, design and create structures and the technical approaches necessary for realising large-scale projects that provide shelter, clean water, sanitation, transportation, energy security and safety from natural hazards. Our engineering students are taught by enthusiastic academic staff who use live site visits and laboratory work to reinforce your academic learning.

Our accredited BEng Civil Engineering is designed to set you on a path to becoming a qualified professional civil engineer. You can choose to take a paid year in industry with a civil engineering employer. We also offer a mentoring scheme that puts you in touch with our network of graduate engineers working in industry. Our academic staff are keen to support and educate you with the skills and knowledge highly sought after by employers of our Plymouth Civil Engineering graduates.

Have you Considered

• MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering
• MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year

Key Features

• Start your professional career from day one with a course accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation. Our BEng (Hons) is accredited by our professional institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You'll qualify for graduate membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers.
• Immerse yourself in the real world of civil engineering through site visits, field trips and visiting lectures from leading Chartered Civil Engineers working on major projects.
• Benefit from our £19 million Marine Building, which offers you opportunities to learn water engineering and coastal engineering. We offer major options in structural engineering and water management to equip you to specialise in design and flood risk management. 
• Learn from our teaching staff of professionally qualified experts with relevant experience from the civil engineering industry and researchers with national and international reputations. 
• Get ahead in your career by spending an optional placement year working as a paid student engineer, a great opportunity to further your knowledge and make important industry contacts.
• Learn a host of design skills from problem solving to sustainable development, as well as developing the critical thinking that plays a key role in the work of a civil engineer, including interpreting and analysing data.
• Develop your professional skills including communication, self-management, team working and leadership, all vital in pursuing a rewarding career.
• Increase your employability by taking an extra-curricular HSE-recognised diving qualification (subject to availability).
• Study core subjects include engineering surveying, geotechnics, hydraulics, management, materials, and structural analysis.
• Join our extensive network of Chartered Civil Engineer graduates from the University of Plymouth who now work at all levels in the industry both nationally and internationally.
• Progress onto the MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at the end of the second year, subject to achieving the required level of academic performance on the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering.

Computing and software development drives many of the world’s greatest technologies, helping us to live, learn, build and even save lives. This course combines computer science, software engineering and information systems to give you the skills employers want.

You’ll learn about programming, databases, computer hardware, computer networking, and how a computer operating system works. You will then extend your knowledge in graphical representation, data modelling and artificial intelligence. You can also enhance your career prospects with a placement at industry leaders such as IBM, Microsoft, Goss Interactive and Vualto.

Key Features

• Benefit from our close links with local industry by taking part in local meetups, conferences such as Agile on the Beach, and networking events across the South West such as Tech Exeter, Digital Plymouth. 
• Distinguish yourself with a degree that’s accredited by, and entitles membership of, British Computer Society, BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT (subject to approval). 
• Graduates may also gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and will partially meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration. 
• Be inspired by the creativity that our practical, hands-on course nurtures. Our ‘learning through doing’ ethos means you build the skills to make you a desirable applicant for employers. 
• Learn from dedicated teaching staff who are engaged in internationally significant research, are actively creating and developing applications, and have a wealth of industry contacts.
• Enjoy guest lectures on cutting edge computing from the experts in industry such as Red Hat and Goss Interactive.
• Discover the many collaboration opportunities, which mirror the teamwork at the heart of the industry. In the second year, you’ll work in a team to develop a piece of software with a real purpose.
• Immerse yourself in the very latest technology and software. We use open source as well as providing access to Microsoft Imagine for software to work at home with. In our specialist labs you will get to use the Microsoft and Apple industry standard software, which we regularly update and refurbish. 

Are you passionate about biology in all of its forms? Do you want to study a broad biology degree without the constraints of choosing a specialism too soon, with equal emphasis on lab and field skills? You will build an understanding of biology from viruses to mammals and from freshwater to rocky shores, gaining state-of-the-art practical and transferable skills highly sought by employers, graduating ready to shape the future of fields from ecosystem management to laboratory research.

In the 2019 National Student Survey, 97% of students felt staff on this course were good at explaining things and 95% found the course intellectually stimulating.* This programme focuses on biology of a wide range of environments from soils and the oceans to hydrothermal vents and volcanic lakes.

Key Features

 Why should we conserve biodiversity? How can we manage and restore habitats? With a hands-on approach, we’ll give you the scientific tools to address these issues, developing your understanding of plant and animal biodiversity in the UK and abroad. Develop your knowledge of key areas such as population ecology, evolutionary processes, behavioural ecology, conservation genetics and habitat management, and prime yourself for a career in ecology, conservation or environmental monitoring.

This course focuses on conservation in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. You will experience two compulsory overseas residential field courses in years one (Spain) and two (Mexico), giving you first-hand experience of a range of ecosystems in other parts of the world. There’s no extra to pay: it’s all included within your tuition fees. You’ll participate in an optional work placement year, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real world context.

Key Features

Key Features

• Develop a range of knowledge, skills and practical experience in biosciences, that will equip you for a wide variety of careers. Biosciences students go on to careers including biomedical and human health sciences, biotechnology or environmental biology.
• Benefit from a dedicated research project module catering for the needs of incoming foundation degree students.
• Expand your learning through practical classes in the laboratory and in the field.  
• Draw on a strong system of student support and tracking through personal tutors.
• Take part in an optional work placement year before starting the course and gain invaluable insights into the practical aspects of working in biosciences.
• Study up to four topic areas in depth including plant biotechnology, global change biology, ecotoxicology, environmental microbiology and biotechnology, medical genetics, animals and human health and science centres communication.

Our MA Photography programme engages with contemporary practices in image-making, writing and curating through eco-critical and post-human perspectives.
This outward-facing programme prepares you for professional opportunities in the fields of exhibition, curation and publication. Intensive periods of studio-based workshops, symposia, lectures, online tutorials, and visits to studios, galleries and research centres provide the basis of the learning experience.

Key Features