Do you want to learn more about the ocean and the science that helps us understand it? Marine science brings together biology, oceanography, and environmental studies to explore our oceans.
Even today, the ocean remains largely unexplored. Some scientists estimate that we have identified only around 10% of all marine life!
During your time with us on our Marine Science Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to explore marine habitats and get to know the creatures that live there. You’ll also learn more about the work of scientists and conservationists and learn how you can get involved. No previous study or experience is required – just curiosity and enthusiasm!
Our Marine Science Camps are run in partnership with the Marine Biological Association, the longest running society dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life they support. More information can be found below.
This course is for those aged 16-18 years old and is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.
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If you are considering furthering your education in marine biology or marine science, this could be the perfect course for you to enrich your field experience and explore some of the possible career pathways.
Our young people residentials deliver a wide-ranging, enriching experience and give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. This can be great to include in higher education and job applications.
Around core themes of nature and landscapes, active learning, and personal and social skills, our courses promote nature connection, environmental understanding and responsibility, health and wellbeing, working well with others, resilience and curiosity.
If you are a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the Residential section of the award.
See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Marine Biological Association Membership
Field Studies Council has partnered with The Marine Biological Association (MBA) to offer participants attending our marine science camp at Slapton Ley or Dale Fort a free years membership to the MBA.*
The MBA is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life they support. The MBA is the voice of Marine Biology and supports Marine Biologists throughout their journey, from those just starting out, to professionals and those who are leading the way forward in this dynamic field.
* All members will gain access to The Marine Biologist Magazine, have the opportunity to attend events and talks both in person and online, discounts and much more. Excludes residentials taking place at Millport Field Centre. For full details visit Our Membership | Marine Biological Association.
The category of membership will be determined by individual circumstances, existing members will get a year added to their subscription.
Approved Activity Providers
As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE. We do however always recommend checking suitability with your DofE assessor before booking a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, or want to expand your knowledge, our experiences offer something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Arrival 12pm
Introduction to the course and local area
Morning/afternoon - Participants will receive an introduction to the centre, followed by icebreakers and team games. There will also be an opportunity to explore the area and familiarise yourself with the local environment.
Evening - Introduction to the course and The Marine Biological Association (England and Wales Courses)
Day 2
Rocky shore ecology
Morning/afternoon - Explore the organisms living within our rock pool habitats. Looking at adaptations of crustacean, fish, echinoderms and algae and what it takes to live to in these harsh environments.
Evening - Evening talk with guest speaker to learn more about the in-depth world of our oceans. Find out how to develop a career in the marine industry.
Day 3
Marine microorganisms and plankton
Morning/afternoon - Take a look at the unseen or hidden organisms that live in our marine environments. This may include gathering water samples, developing microscopy skills and using industry-standard equipment on-site or with supporting partners.
Evening - Games night! Work together with your team to become the winners. A great opportunity to get to know your coursemates.
Day 4
Marine exploration
Morning/afternoon - By foot or boat, you will explore more of the local marine landscape and wildlife. Spotting seals, dolphins, porpoises and sea birds and learning how these mammals and birds interact with these landscapes.
Evening - Gather around a campfire, toast a marshmallow, sharing stories and experiences.
Day 5
Citizen science
Morning/afternoon - Support local initiatives and communities through microplastic workshops, beach cleans and litter picks. Understanding the human impact on our marine ecosystems. Followed by reviews and reflections to conclude.
Depart 3pm
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres. Our Marine Science Camps take place at Dale Fort, Slapton Ley and Millport Field Centres and vary from 5 to 6-day courses.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Lunch
- Expert guidance by fully trained Field Studies Council staff
- Rigorous health and safety procedures including 24-hour emergency cover
- Full board accommodation including a cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, and an evening meal
- All activities and transport during the course
- Young Marine Biologist (YMB) or student membership of the Marine Biological Association for one year
Before You Attend
Millport Only - Please read and fill out our fit to snorkel form before attending.
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
We want to ensure participants get to share their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges).
When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
Prior to the course, you will receive the following:
- A full kit list. Any technical equipment required will be provided so you will just need typical kit for a residential stay and being outdoors.
- An introduction to the staff delivering the course and information about the centre so you know what to expect on arrival.
- A detailed itinerary for the course, including arrival and departure instructions. On some courses there may be the opportunity to book a train station pick up and/or drop off.
- A link to an online photo consent form.
- The expectations of young people attending our courses.
- A form to share any specific dietary or medical needs.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 27, July 2026 12:30 - Fri 31, July 2026 15:00
Explore South Devon’s stunning coastline by land and sea. Discover rockpools and their wildlife, experience marine research aboard the MBA’s boat Sepia, tour Plymouth University’s labs and complete industry standard experiments, and go behind the scenes at the National Marine Aquarium to learn about marine conservation. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
Sorry this course is out of stock
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Mon 03, August 2026 12:30 - Fri 07, August 2026 15:00
This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending. Please note, that this course at Millport does not include MBA (Marine Biological Association) membership.
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Mon 24, August 2026 12:30 - Fri 28, August 2026 15:00
Explore South Devon’s stunning coastline by land and sea. Discover rockpools and their wildlife, experience marine research aboard the MBA’s boat Sepia, tour Plymouth University’s labs and complete industry standard experiments, and go behind the scenes at the National Marine Aquarium to learn about marine conservation. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
Sorry this course is out of stock
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Mon 26, October 2026 16:00 - Sat 31, October 2026 12:00
During this 6-day camp you'll get to explore the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in search of seabirds, Atlantic grey seals, and cetaceans. Investigate and identify rocky shore species, try your hand at seine netting to see what’s hiding just beneath the waves, and use microscopes to examine plankton and microplastics up close. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 26, October 2026 12:30 - Fri 30, October 2026 15:00
Explore South Devon’s stunning coastline by land and sea. Discover rockpools and their wildlife, experience marine research aboard the MBA’s boat Sepia, tour Plymouth University’s labs and complete industry standard experiments, and go behind the scenes at the National Marine Aquarium to learn about marine conservation. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
