The seas are key to the UK's economy and quality of life. Through its contribution to primary energy supplies, ship-borne trade, fisheries, marine aggregates, tourism and recreation, the UK's marine environment plays a large part in our nature conservation heritage.
Concern for the environment means that employers are increasingly seeking graduates with Marine Science training. Graduates from our degrees work for government agencies such as Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee in coastal conservation and, as wardens in marine nature reserves. Some are employed offshore as observers on fishing vessels for the EU and commercial fisheries. Others will work for environmental charities and pressure groups, whilst some are involved in education or travel the world as Environmental Consultants.
Studying Marine Science equips you with some very specific skills according to your particular course or specialism but also encourages the development of a broader set of transferable skills. These specific and the generic skills prepare you for a variety of jobs both highly related and totally unrelated to the marine environment. Careers in teaching, law, banking, commerce and sales are also very popular with our graduates.
Further study at university offers training for careers in Research. Research skills and the ability to solve problems are useful in both environmental and non-environmental-related jobs. It is possible for Marine Scientists to progress to Senior Research Scientist and management level positions.
Qualities such as self-motivation, teamwork ability and leadership may also be gained through non-academic activities and work experience and prepare you for a range of careers.
Find out what recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation:
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK. 93.4% of our 2011 UK/EU graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating. More than three quarters (78.7%) of our graduates who entered employment achieved a graduate level position.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+ which enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.