BSc (Hons) Marine Science at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The BSc (Hons) Marine Science is taught at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on Scotland's west coast, with laboratory work, research vessels and field sampling. Students can study abroad in the third year at UNIS in Svalbard, Coastal Carolina University or Dalhousie University.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers fundamentals of marine biology, chemistry, geology and physics, mathematics and data science, and a marine field course. Year 2 covers chemical and physical oceanography, marine biology, marine geology and statistics. Year 3 offers modules such as Marine biogeochemical cycling, Marine biotechnology and Marine conservation.

Career pathways

Academia and education, aquaculture and fisheries, environmental assessment and consultancy, environmental management, marine biotechnology, marine conservation, marine technology, renewable energy, research, science journalism, surveying and the oil industry. Progression to the Erasmus Joint Master Degree Aquaculture, Environment and Society.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

4 Scottish Highers at grade ABBB or above, or 3 A levels at grade BCC or above, including two science subjects (such as Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Human Biology, Computing Science or Engineering Science). English and Maths at National 5, Standard Grade credit, GCSE or equivalent are also required. Advanced entry to year two may be possible with HNC Applied Sciences or HNC Bioscience (minimum B in the graded unit) or CertHE Introduction to Marine Biology, Environmental Science and Sustainability. Other qualifications or experience are considered individually. SWAP access courses are accepted. International applicants: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5, or another approved English test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scottish-domiciled students with a term-time address in Scotland, full-time (120 credits) per year. Source

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). International fee status, full-time per year. Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years

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