Applied Marine Science

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

Module outline

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

• Marine biology

• Marine geology

• Physical oceanography

• Statistics for marine science

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 mammals and megafauna

• Marine microbial ecology

• Marine observing systems

• 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

• Behaviour and biological clocks

• Coastal and shelf sea dynamics

• Deep-seas ecology

• Defining the marine carbon cycle

• Marine environmental impact assessment

• Marine modelling

• Polar seas

MSci

You will study the following core module:

• Work placement module

This outline reflects the modules as currently delivered and is subject to change.