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Marine and Environmental Science

Course Code: MAE
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA), Oxford, Cambridge & RSA (OCR)
  • Duration: One to two years
  • Course type: Full-time
  • When you'll study: Various days and times
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What's it all about?

Passionate about science and curious about the world around you? This innovative programme combines A Level Environmental Science with OCR Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificates in Human Biology and Applied Science, giving you a broad understanding of the natural environment, the human body and scientific investigation.

You’ll explore real-world issues such as climate change, biodiversity, human health, genetics, pollution and sustainability while developing practical laboratory and fieldwork skills. Through a combination of academic study and hands-on investigations, you’ll build the scientific knowledge and transferable skills needed for university and careers in environmental science, healthcare, conservation, laboratory science and many other STEM industries. 

If you’re interested in solving global challenges, understanding how science improves lives and developing the practical skills that employers and universities value, this course provides an excellent foundation for your future. 

Course information

This exciting programme combines three level 3 science qualifications to provide you with a broad understanding of environmental, biological and applied sciences. You will study one A Level alongside two OCR Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificates, developing both academic knowledge and practical scientific skills. 

A Level Environmental Science explores the relationship between humans and the natural environment.You will investigate ecosystems, biodiversity, sustainability, climate change, pollution, energy resources, conservation, environmental legislation and the management of natural resources. Fieldwork and scientific investigations will help you to understand real-world environmental issues and develop practical enquiry skills. 
OCR Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Human Biology focuses on the structure and function of the human body and prepares students for careers in health and life sciences. You will study human anatomy and physiology, genetics, health and disease, biomedical laboratory techniques and specialist topics such as drug development, nutrition and metabolism, human reproduction or neuroscience, depending on the optional units selected. 
OCR Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Applied Science provides a broad scientific foundation across biology, chemistry and physics. You will develop practical laboratory skills through scientific investigations and study topics including scientific principles, science in society and specialist units such as forensic biology, analytical chemistry or medical physics. You will gain experience using laboratory equipment, analysing scientific data and conducting investigations similar to those used in industry and higher education. 
Throughout the programme you will develop valuable transferable skills including scientific investigation, problem solving, critical thinking, laboratory techniques, fieldwork, research, data analysis, report writing and presentation skills. These are highly valued by universities and employers and provide excellent preparation for further study in science subjects. 

In order to be successful on this course, you should have: 

  • five GCSEs at grade 4 (or above) including English Language, Mathematics and Combined Science (or GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry) 
  • a genuine interest in environmental science, biology and scientific investigation 
  • good organisational and communication skills and a willingness to undertake practical laboratory and fieldwork activities.

You should be prepared for both academic study and practical coursework throughout the programme.

Assessment is via a mixture of coursework and exams. 

This programme provides an excellent progression route into higher education, Apprenticeships and employment within the science and environmental sectors. 

Students may progress to university courses including but not limited to: 
  • environmental science 
  • ecology and conservation biology 
  • marine biology 
  • biological sciences 
  • biomedical science (subject to individual university entry requirements) 
  • life sciences 
  • wildlife conservation. 

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

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Future careers

What you could earn:

Chemical Scientists

£63,959.33

Potential salary

£22,259.72

Entry level salary

£36,612.40

Average salary

1

Annual openings in Plymouth

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Come and visit us on one of our college open days, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current students and staff.

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