BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration - Course overview
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    KEY FACTS

    • Title
      BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration
    • Course type
      Full-time
    • Duration
      3 years (no placement)
    • Award
      Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons)
    • Faculty
      Faculty of Science and Technology
    • School
      School of Marine Science and Engineering
    • UCAS codes
      Institution P60
      Course F702
    • Location
      Plymouth
Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > undergraduate > BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration
​Students doing field work

Overview

 
Satisfy the growing demands for increased knowledge of the Earth's seascape and the provision of high-quality information for sustainable development of marine areas and resources. Develop skills and knowledge relating to practical applications of marine science concerned with measurement, position-fixing, mapping and visualisation of the seabed and its underlying geology. Many think of ocean exploration as the delving into unknown water depths to see creatures and features never before seen by man, or the exploration of 'lost' ships. However, led by the minerals industries, this concept is founded in viable industrial activities, seeking to develop the sea's resources in a sustainable manner, for the benefit of mankind.
​Student land surveyingThe University's ROV being deployed

Career opportunities

The predominant employment is with the hydrocarbon exploration industry, with companies based in the UK or overseas and with work around the world. There is similar work with dredging companies and occasionally places with ports. Field surveyors are needed in all sorts of companies, including construction, environmental applications and archaeology. The course has the content appropriate for the land surveying (mapping and construction) industries and sufficient background for entry level positions in digital mapping/geographic information. 


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Ocean Exploration with Plymouth University​ 

Satellite imageThe course studies both the physical characteristics of the world's oceans and investigates the practical techniques used to explore the oceans in a sustainable manner. Course content is also directed towards the vocational requirements of graduates seeking to enter the marine/hydrographic community operating within both coastal and offshore waters. Course highlights include:

  • strongly vocational elements to the course, with an emphasis on student participation in field activities using current exploration and hydrographic systems
  • close co-operation with industry, utilising state-of-the-art equipment loans and visiting speakers
  • opportunities for students to attend related industrial conferences, seminars and exhibitions
  • an optional diving module that is available in the second stage. We are the only UK university to offer a professional diving course as part of a degree (limited places and additional costs involved).

​Professional accreditation​  

Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Joint Board of Competence of the FIG, the IHO and the ICA.
Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors logoInstitute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology logo