Marine Biology & Ecology Diploma

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LOCATION & START DATE
Falmouth Marine School - 8 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 3 Levels Explained
DURATION
1 Years
LEARNING AREA
Marine & Natural Environment Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Full-time

Course information

Marine Science Courses Careers in Marine Biology and Ecology are some of the most sought-after jobs, providing the opportunity to travel the world and explore the wonder of the oceans as part of your day to day work.

Whether your dreams involve living on tropical islands protecting reefs, studying mega-fauna such as sharks, observing the movement of whales in the arctic or monitoring fisheries in coast off the Isles of Scillies, this course is the ideal starting place.

The Marine Biology & Ecology Level 3 Diploma at Falmouth Marine School benefits from a long history of teaching, specialist equipment, and a wealth of teaching expertise.

Our facilities are unique at college level, with no other course in the UK offering the same opportunities and resources.
Whether on the boat learning about marine surveying techniques, in the laboratory practicing identification, or using the different aquaculture/fish tanks in the wet lab, this course offers something special and provides the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to stand-out and develop a bright future in marine environment sciences.

As an A-Level equivalent City & Guilds Technical Course, you will be taught vocational subjects to give you the practical skills for working in the natural environment.

You will learn about the systems and management of marine species, as well as theories of conservation and techniques of protecting marine species.

You also will be given the opportunity to study marine species, both in the natural environment and in the laboratory, including the physiology and anatomy of marine wildlife, evolutionary biology and behaviour, as well as quantitative ecology.

This broad range of study means that you get to see all the avenues available for future work and study, with lots of opportunities for gaining new skills and strengths academically.

You will need four GCSEs at grade 4, including English, maths and ideally science or a Marine Biology & Ecology Diploma Level 2 at merit grade.

Ed, 28, completed two industry placements. One with Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay and the other at Sea Life in Birmingham and is now a lecturer at Duchy College. “I was able to carry out 2 work placements one at Blue reef aquarium in Newquay and the other at Sea life Birmingham. Here I learnt the basics in fishkeeping as well as the desirable skills needed to gain employment in public aquariums.”

You will be assessed through written assessments and practical tasks. There is also an exam component, which is a mixture of written and practical assessments.

Many students leave this course and go into industry confident of their ability and skills. Our Level 3 Marine Biology and Ecology Diploma has excellent progression to the best universities teaching marine biology and ecology related courses. With its vocational core, and strong academic subjects, you will be equipped to survive in either Higher Education or industry, and you can also gain additional skills and training to both broaden your horizons as well as strengthen your CV and work experience. Careers in this industry: Marine biologist Conservation professional Aquaculture professional Environmental professional

Falmouth Marine School

Falmouth Marine School

With a modern campus in the centre of Falmouth and boat workshops on the waterfront, studying at Falmouth Marine School is joyous. Few colleges in the country can boast the exceptional experience you will have, whether it’s studying to become the next marine scientist, marine engineer, boatbuilder, or watersports industry expert. There is a special, friendly and dynamic atmosphere on campus, which is backed up by a supportive and highly knowledgeable team. It’s no surprise that our alumni always recommend Falmouth Marine School to have your #careercollege experience.


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Falmouth Marine School logoOpen Event and Taster Session at Falmouth Marine School

Open Event and Taster Session at Falmouth Marine School

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship University
  • Dates
    1st February 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
    29th March 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
    20th May 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Discover our courses, apprenticeships, tour our campuses, meet our amazing team and try a subject before you apply at one of our Open Days and Taster Sessions! View Event

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Course type 16-19 Adult
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Tuition fees: £0
If you’re aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you will usually be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support section.
Financial support for School Leavers
Tuition Fees: £4425.00
If you are aged 19+, the cost of the course will depend on your circumstances. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
Financial support for ages 19+
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Course Code 10018-FMS-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Marine Biology & Ecology Diploma Level 3 Falmouth Marine School MarineBiology, Conservation, Ecology, Aquaculture
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