Applied Marine Science MSc (Integrated)

What is special about this course?

There’s never been a more vital time to study Marine Science. Our oceans face urgent challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, and the unsustainable use of precious resources. Let us equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle these issues head-on via our MSc (Integrated) in Applied Marine Science, at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

This integrated master's programme offers a 5-year, SCQF level 7-11 course, blending academic excellence with hands-on experience. Designed by active researchers at the UK’s oldest oceanographic institute, you will gain a holistic understanding of marine biology, chemistry, physics, and geology, from Scottish sea lochs to tropical reefs and polar oceans.

You’ll study in an inspiring coastal setting near Oban, nestled between a 13th-century castle and a cutting-edge marine science park. Our students benefit from exceptional staff support, access to world-class research facilities, and you’ll enjoy a year-long integrated work placement, preparing you for a career as a leader, researcher, or innovator in the marine sector.

Special features

• Study at Scotland’s leading independent marine research institute, founded in 1884 by Sir John Murray, the father of oceanography
• Enjoy a year-long work placement with expert support to apply your learning in the real world
• Train with globally recognised researchers in a stunning coastal location with diverse marine habitats
• Access state-of-the-art facilities including a research vessel, specialist labs, and aquaria
• Join a highly satisfied student community: 92% satisfaction in 2024 (100% in 2020–2022, NSS)

Entry requirements

• 4 Scottish Highers at grade AABB or above
• 3 A levels at grade BBC or above
• These must include two science subjects
• You must also have English and Maths at National 5, Standard Grade credit, or GCSE, or their equivalents
• International students whose first language is not English must also meet relevant language competency standards
• Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis

• Advanced entry to year two may be possible with an HNC Applied Sciences or HNC Bioscience, with a minimum of B in the graded unit

CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Fundamentals of marine biology
• Fundamentals of marine chemistry
• Fundamentals of marine geology
• Fundamentals of marine physics
• Introduction to mathematics and data science
• Marine field course

DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Chemical oceanography
• Data science
• Marine biology
• Marine geology
• Physical oceanography

You will also study one of the following optional modules:

• Advanced maths and programming
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Marine resources

BSc

You will study the following core module:

• Literature review
• Additional mandatory training will be given in work placement skills

You will also study five of the following optional modules:

• Marine biogeochemical cycling
• Marine biotechnology
• Marine conservation
• Marine instrumentation and data
• Marine microbial ecology
• Marine pollution
• Marine robotics
• Marine zoology
• Ocean circulation and climate

BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core module:

• Dissertation
• Additional mandatory training will be given in work placement skills

You will also study four of the following optional modules:

• Aquaculture
• Coastal and shelf sea dynamics
• Deep-seas ecology
• Defining the marine carbon cycle
• Fisheries ecology
• Marine environmental impact assessment
• Marine modelling
• Polar seas

MSc (Integrated)

You will study the following core module:

• Work placement module

Fees

For information on costs of this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

You are expected to purchase a lab coat either from the university or from an alternative supplier (lab coats cost approximately £20). As the course contains substantial elements of fieldwork, waterproof clothing may also be required.

Participation in extra-curricular expeditions such as the Red Sea ‘Tropical Ecosystems’ field course will be an additional cost which you will be responsible for.