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Applied Marine Science

MSci · 5 Years · Full-time · 09/2025 · UndergraduateScottish 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.

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

This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.

Apply by
29 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 on the UK. Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBC

These must include two science subjects

Scottish Higher - AABB

These must include two science subjects

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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with no element below 5.5
PTE Academic5959 average with 59 in each component
TOEFL (iBT)78Min 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

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

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

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.

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