Marine bio at Southhampton or Plymouth

Hi everyone. I’m doing my foundation course at Exeter for marine biology but after my 9 month course I want to go to either Plymouth or Southampton as Exeter doesn’t have as much facilities for marine biology. I’ve heard good things about both universities and mixed opinions and I wanna know which one would be the best to go to. Main things I’m looking for is course-specific facilities, liveable city, and also the favourability and initial salary a marine bio graduate from each uni can expect. Thank you!

Reply 1

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

You get 5 ucas choices. Apply to both, visit both and then decide where you’ll thrive

Reply 2

University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Official Rep

12

Original post by mj.bk

Hi everyone. I’m doing my foundation course at Exeter for marine biology but after my 9 month course I want to go to either Plymouth or Southampton as Exeter doesn’t have as much facilities for marine biology. I’ve heard good things about both universities and mixed opinions and I wanna know which one would be the best to go to. Main things I’m looking for is course-specific facilities, liveable city, and also the favourability and initial salary a marine bio graduate from each uni can expect. Thank you!

Hi there! 🙂

I'm a current Zoology student here at Plymouth but my main interests are marine-focussed and almost all of my friends/partner take Marine biology, so I know lots about the course!

Here at Plymouth, marine biology is definitely a speciality. We have a custom marine station which is really great and serval boats which the students use throughout their time on the course. I'm currently taking the biology of marine organisms module, jointly taught with marine biology, so I have been using the marine station facilities recently and will be out on the boats in the new year for comparative zoology. So, as far as specialised facilities go for marine biology, Plymouth definitely has a lot 😀 Plymouth also offers the diving HSE module for marine biologists too if that's your thing!

I really like Plymouth as a city. In my experience, it's affordable and a great city because it has a good mix of natural spaces (national marine park) but good shops, restaurants, student facilities, etc. It's also accessible as the campus is in the heart of the city so I never find myself walking anymore than 20 minutes to get anywhere I want to go.

As far as graduate prospects go, this page might give you some ideas 🙂 Being near the National Marine Park, with lots of marine organisations near, there are plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience and I know graduates have gone across the world into a broad range of marine-biology specialisms after leaving Plymouth.

Plymouth has an upcoming open day in April and offer holder days in the new year too, if you're interested! I definitely recommend looking around the university to visit the facilities (marine station) and chat to students and staff about the course and what it can offer you.

Feel free to let me know of any questions you might have! I know a fair bit about the programme but also the university and city in general so happy to answer any you might have.

Good luck!

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Ambassador

Reply 3

mj.bk

OP

1

Original post by University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Hi there! 🙂

I'm a current Zoology student here at Plymouth but my main interests are marine-focussed and almost all of my friends/partner take Marine biology, so I know lots about the course!

Here at Plymouth, marine biology is definitely a speciality. We have a custom marine station which is really great and serval boats which the students use throughout their time on the course. I'm currently taking the biology of marine organisms module, jointly taught with marine biology, so I have been using the marine station facilities recently and will be out on the boats in the new year for comparative zoology. So, as far as specialised facilities go for marine biology, Plymouth definitely has a lot 😀 Plymouth also offers the diving HSE module for marine biologists too if that's your thing!

I really like Plymouth as a city. In my experience, it's affordable and a great city because it has a good mix of natural spaces (national marine park) but good shops, restaurants, student facilities, etc. It's also accessible as the campus is in the heart of the city so I never find myself walking anymore than 20 minutes to get anywhere I want to go.

As far as graduate prospects go, this page might give you some ideas 🙂 Being near the National Marine Park, with lots of marine organisations near, there are plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience and I know graduates have gone across the world into a broad range of marine-biology specialisms after leaving Plymouth.

Plymouth has an upcoming open day in April and offer holder days in the new year too, if you're interested! I definitely recommend looking around the university to visit the facilities (marine station) and chat to students and staff about the course and what it can offer you.

Feel free to let me know of any questions you might have! I know a fair bit about the programme but also the university and city in general so happy to answer any you might have.

Good luck!

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Ambassador

Hi Alfie! So I have a couple of questions for you. How are the modules taught in the marine bio courses and what are the lecturers’ teaching styles? Is there anything that you or your friends feel can be improved about like the courses or student support etc? What is student life at the university like and how easy is it to get accommodation? Would you mind elaborating on scholarships available too? What kind of support do international students get at Plymouth? And I have another question but this one is more like about the city. So basically I’m planning to bring my cat to uni with me, like in accommodation and stuff, but Exeter residential buildings are mainly “no pets” but I heard that in Plymouth you can have a pet license so you can keep a pet in your apartment. Could you provide any details on that too please? Thank you!

Reply 4

University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Official Rep

12

Original post by mj.bk

Hi Alfie! So I have a couple of questions for you. How are the modules taught in the marine bio courses and what are the lecturers’ teaching styles? Is there anything that you or your friends feel can be improved about like the courses or student support etc? What is student life at the university like and how easy is it to get accommodation? Would you mind elaborating on scholarships available too? What kind of support do international students get at Plymouth? And I have another question but this one is more like about the city. So basically I’m planning to bring my cat to uni with me, like in accommodation and stuff, but Exeter residential buildings are mainly “no pets” but I heard that in Plymouth you can have a pet license so you can keep a pet in your apartment. Could you provide any details on that too please? Thank you!

Hi there! 😀 To answer your questions...

•

The modules in marine biology are taught in a variety of ways. The bulk of the learning is through lectures and independent study, but there is a great mix of field work, lab sessions, practicals, boat work and more so there is a nice balance of practical and taught learning. Each lecturer also will have a slightly different teaching style, some like to utilise diagrams and videos to explain organisms, some use more research paper based information etc., but this depends on what you're learning and what's right for the material being taught!

•

As far as improvements in student support or the course go, I haven't heard of many (if any!) things in marine biology that anyone struggles with/would like to see improvement in. I think, for many, the change to university can be challenging as it's much different to college/sixth form, but I definitely feel supported in my learning and know there are plenty of resources should I need them.

•

Student life is vibrant and great at the uni. The SU runs a mix of events for all students, whether you're into music and club nights or chilled out movie nights/socialising or volunteering, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and enjoy your experience here. To find accommodation, there are rarely any challenges. There are plenty of places here in Plymouth, including many university halls, private halls, and houses/flats to choose from with lots of estate agents/student support services. The SU will also help support you with this if needed.

•

I'm not too sure on the specific scholarships available but you can find more about these here !

•

There is plenty of support for international students, also. Student services/the university have a team ready to help international students with the application process and their time with us, as well as hosting international students events to help you settle in and meet others.

•

Finally, regarding pets, most private halls won't likely accept pets but I know a few people that have cats in private accommodation in flats/houses so this is something worth looking into and speaking to student letting agencies and students housing companies here in Plymouth about (of which there are lots!)

I hope this helped and if you have any more questions please feel free to let me know or ask one of our marine biology students on Unibuddy for more insight!

Best of luck!

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Ambassador 🙂

Reply 5

s.valentine

2

Original post by mj.bk

Hi everyone. I’m doing my foundation course at Exeter for marine biology but after my 9 month course I want to go to either Plymouth or Southampton as Exeter doesn’t have as much facilities for marine biology. I’ve heard good things about both universities and mixed opinions and I wanna know which one would be the best to go to. Main things I’m looking for is course-specific facilities, liveable city, and also the favourability and initial salary a marine bio graduate from each uni can expect. Thank you!

Hi mj.bk,

I'm reaching out to inquire about the course offerings at Exeter.

I recently received an offer from them for the marine biology undergraduate program, along with offers from other universities like Southampton. I'm trying to gain more insight into the quality of teaching, campus life, and opportunities available at Exeter. If you don’t mind sharing your experience, what you liked and what you didn’t, that would be greatly appreciated :smile:

Thank you in advance for your input!

Marine bio at Southhampton or Plymouth

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