Exeter v Plymouth for Marine Biology Masters

I have been accepted into both the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth on their masters programmes. At Plymouth I would be studying the MSc Marine Conservation course while at Exeter I would be on the MSc Marine Management course. I am having an incredibly difficult time choosing between the two. They both seem like really goof universities with very good courses!

I really love the employer partnership Plymouth offers and the university seems very into marine biology. However, I'm worried that Plymouth itself might not be for me as I don't really like cities. Exeter's Penryn Campus looks more like somewhere I would be happier living however, Exeters uni does not offer the employer partnership scheme. I am also concerned that by taking a management course I am restricting myself into a management career when my goal is to go into research and field work.

My question is - has anyone attended either university / course and what was your experience like? Was it easy to make friends? Did the university support an employer partnership and what did you feel your employment opportunities after were like?

Reply 1

University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Official Rep

11

Original post by hannah6754

I have been accepted into both the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth on their masters programmes. At Plymouth I would be studying the MSc Marine Conservation course while at Exeter I would be on the MSc Marine Management course. I am having an incredibly difficult time choosing between the two. They both seem like really goof universities with very good courses!

I really love the employer partnership Plymouth offers and the university seems very into marine biology. However, I'm worried that Plymouth itself might not be for me as I don't really like cities. Exeter's Penryn Campus looks more like somewhere I would be happier living however, Exeters uni does not offer the employer partnership scheme. I am also concerned that by taking a management course I am restricting myself into a management career when my goal is to go into research and field work.

My question is - has anyone attended either university / course and what was your experience like? Was it easy to make friends? Did the university support an employer partnership and what did you feel your employment opportunities after were like?

Hi there! 🙂

I'm a current undergraduate zoology student here so I'm very involved with the marine sciences and have lots of friends taking marine courses, both undergraduate and postgraduate.

When I was selecting my universities, these were my top two universities as well and found it hard to choose! But after a couple of open day visits, I decided that Plymouth was personally for me. Plymouth is definitely a leading university in marine sciences because of its links to employers, its specialist marine station and research vessels, and location being next to the National Marine Park. For me, I am heavily into the marine side of zoology so Plymouth was perfect for me to get involved in plenty of things going on! Throughout my time here, I've already worked with the National Marine Park via an internship with the careers service, as well as working alongside the National Marine Aquarium's conservation projects.

Regarding the location, I personally wanted somewhere that had lots of access to nature, with Dartmoor and the National Marine Park close by, but also the useful amenities of a city. I find that everything is within walking distance from campus and never have to travel far to get to anywhere I need to go, be it shops, supermarkets, restaurants, or entertainment.

I know of a few postgraduate marine biologists/conservationists from Plymouth that have gone on to conduct some really great research and formed close ties with employers which have funded their research beyond their dissertations and after their courses.

Making friends wasn't too difficult for me in my experience as I met many through societies and UPSU events, such as volunteering or sociable events that they regularly put on, but I know there are also post-grad specific events for students to meet each other without undergraduates attending if that's your thing too!

I don't have specific experience with the employer partnership but I have lots of experience of the careers service here who are an excellent team. Based in the library, you can book appointments with them any time to talk through anything career-related, they advertise positions, placements, and internships regularly to students and put on lectures and events about all things careers so they definitely support students with graduate employment as much as they can.

If you have any more questions about the university or anything I might be able to answer, feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to help! 😀 We also have students and staff on the Plymouth Unibuddy where you can ask them more specific questions about the course and their experience. Our next postgraduate open evening is on the 6th March 2024.

Best wishes and good luck!

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Reply 2

marinegirl03

1

Hi,

I know its not relevant to your question but I am applying for the MSc Marine Environmental Management course at Exter too and I was wondering how long it took you to get accepted and how much work experience you had to be accepted?

Reply 3

hannah6754

OP

5

Original post by marinegirl03

Hi,

I know its not relevant to your question but I am applying for the MSc Marine Environmental Management course at Exter too and I was wondering how long it took you to get accepted and how much work experience you had to be accepted?

Hey! It took a little over a month for me to get a response! I do have some work experience but weirdly they didn't ask me for a personal statement, I think it's more based off grades, so I didn't mention it at all in my application

Exeter v Plymouth for Marine Biology Masters

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