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Applied Marine Science
- MSci
- 5 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Scottish Association for Marine Science
- Awarded by:
- University of the Highlands and Islands
Course summary
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 MSci 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.
If you're interested in graduating in Marine Science while also pursuing specialist pathways in either Arctic Studies, Marine Biology, or Oceanography and Robotics, or taking part in an international exchange, you may wish to explore our BSc (Hons) Marine Science.
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)
How long will my course last?
◾ Full-time: 5 years @ 40 hours per week
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F714
- Institution code:
- H49
- Campus name:
- Scottish Association for Marine Science
- Campus Code:
- S
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
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
International applicants
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK. Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BBC
These must include two science subjects.
Recommended science subjects (Highers/A levels):
Applications of Mathematics / Biology / Chemistry / Cruinn-eolas / Computing science / Design and Manufacture / Engineering Science / Environmental Science / Geography / Geology / Gniomhachas Matamataigs / Human Biology / Matamataig / Mathematics / Physics
Scottish Higher - AABB
These must include two science subjects
Recommended science subjects (Highers/A levels):
Applications of Mathematics / Biology / Chemistry / Cruinn-eolas / Computing science / Design and Manufacture / Engineering Science / Environmental Science / Geography / Geology / Gniomhachas Matamataigs / Human Biology / Matamataig / Mathematics / Physics
GCSE/National 4/National 5
You must also have English and Maths at National 5, Standard Grade credit, or GCSE, or their equivalents
UHI does not use Tariff points, and accepts a range of qualifications. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with no element below 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | 59 average with 59 in each component |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | Min 78 or above with min 18 in each section |
Our programmes are taught and examined in English. To make the most of your studies, you must be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English in an academic environment and provide certified proof of your competence before starting your course. Please note that English language tests need to have been taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course. The minimum English language requirements to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands are detailed below:
Further information on English Language Requirements can be found at the following: https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/international/international-courses/eligibility/english-language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
UHI is committed to achieving widening access, and achieving a fair balance of entrants to higher education. Widening access can be broadly defined as ‘ensuring fair access to higher education’. Widening access is principally about ensuring that those who have the ability and potential to benefit from a higher education, irrespective of their background or economic circumstances can do so.
Learn more on the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) website
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £16950* | Year 1 |
| International | £16950* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For full information on fees please see our Undergraduate Tuition Fees page at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/ug/
For course specific fees information please refer to the Fees/funding tab on the university website course page.
You can also find information on additional funding available such as bursaries and scholarships at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/funding-your-studies/bursaries-and-scholarships/
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
UHI House
Old Perth Road
Inverness
IV2 3JH
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
UHI Course Information Line
Phone:01463 279190
Related courses
At University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
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