MSci Applied Marine Science at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

MSci Applied Marine Science is a five-year integrated master's (SCQF levels 7-11) designed by active researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, blending marine biology, chemistry, physics and geology. Students study at SAMS UHI near Oban with access to a research vessel, specialist labs and aquaria and complete a year-long integrated work placement.

Department: Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS UHI) | Duration: 5 years full-time (including 9-12 month work placement) | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time (integrated) | 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 includes Chemical oceanography, Marine biology, Marine geology, Physical oceanography and Statistics for marine science. Later years offer modules such as Marine conservation, Marine pollution, Polar seas and Marine modelling plus a dissertation, followed by the work placement year.

Career pathways

Academia and education, aquaculture and fisheries, data science, environmental assessment and consultancy, marine biotechnology and conservation, renewable energy, research, science journalism and surveying; progression to PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

4 Scottish Highers at grade AABB or above, or 3 A levels at grade BBC or above, including two science subjects, plus English and Maths at National 5, Standard Grade Credit, GCSE or equivalent. Advanced entry to year 2 may be possible with HNC Applied Sciences or HNC Bioscience. Applicants with other qualifications are considered individually. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent approved test).

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Full-time, Scotland-domiciled students Source

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year (years 1 to 3), for students living in the UK assessed as international; not available to those requiring Student Route visa sponsorship Source

Intake: September

Duration: 5 years full-time (including 9-12 month work placement)

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