The next MRes Marine Science programme starts 1st October, 2025 and we are currently accepting applications.
The MRes (Marine Science) research programme provides the skills and knowledge in areas of marine science from coasts to deep ocean, and related fields of biogeochemistry, biotechnology and robotics.
Research projects can range from ‘blue sky’ science to applied research addressing pressing societal and environmental problems. You will gain knowledge in research design as well as in management and communication.
The programme is delivered by research-active scientists across multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology and social sciences. Research projects can be field based, desktop or in laboratories.
The programme is based at SAMS, an internationally recognised and vibrant multi-disciplinary centre of expertise in marine environmental science.
Applications for 2025/26 are open.
The course start date is 1st October 2025.
Applicants may request a later start date of 2nd February 2026 subject to supervisor availability.
For full time students, the course duration is 12 months with a holiday allowance of 25 days plus permitted leave during SAMS closure over Christmas and Easter. There are no other term breaks. For part time students, the course duration is 24 months with no specific holiday entitlement – holidays should form part of the schedule negotiated with the Director of Studies.
Students may apply to extend their registration end date but fees will apply (see fees tab).
For details on how to apply please refer to the tabs above.
For further information, please contact: Dr Bernadette Snow: bernadette.snow@sams.ac.uk
Tuition fees increase annually. The MRes Marine Science fees for 2025/26 are listed below.
Home Fees (including EU students with pre-settled or settled status)
Full time, 1 year (1 Oct 2025 - 30 Sept 2026) * £9,956
Part time, 2 years (1 Oct 2025 - 30 Sept 2027) * Year 1: £7,453 Year 2: £2,503
International fees
Full time, 1 year (1 Oct 2025 - 30 Sept 2026) * £22,859
Part Time, 2 years (1 Oct 2025 - 30 Sept 2027) * Year 1: £13,909 Year 2: £8,950
Please note:
These fees include the UHI tuition fees for postgraduate research science subjects and the SAMS MRes additional programme costs (£4950).
*A later start date in February 2026 may be possible upon request.
*If an MRes student receives approval to extend their registration for a further year, an extension fee will be charged – 25% of relevant full- or part-time research UHI tuition fee. Please refer to ‘Charges payable by research students’.
Information on how to fund your postgraduate research studies can be found on the UHI website: How much will it cost? - Funding
The programme is open to UK, EU and international students.
Typical entry requirements will be based on possession of a BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological or life science subject (and depending on the candidate’s related course work, may include degrees in chemistry and engineering) at 2:1 or above. Those who hold a 2:2, third or ordinary degree will be considered if they have relevant experience and can demonstrate their knowledge at interview.
Candidates with appropriate Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered for entry and accepted based on a face-to-face interview (or via Teams interview for non-UK candidates). Students holding other international qualifications should contact us to discuss if the qualification adequately prepares them to study this MRes course.
Applicants whose first language is not English must have attained a satisfactory standard on an approved test in English (e.g. a minimum IELTS score of 6.5) or be able to demonstrate that they have adequate command of both written and spoken English to follow the programme before an offer of admission will be made. Read about international student matters.
We are currently accepting applications for this MRes (Marine Science) course which begins on 1st October 2025.
While students are based and taught at SAMS, the MRES (Marine Science) course is administered and awarded by the University of the Highlands and Islands. You can read about it on the university website.
Prospective students who have an idea for a masters research project that sits well within our research areas and who are able to fund the project should discuss their ideas or area of interest with Dr Bernadette Snow.
Here is some advice on the best way to pitch your idea to us:
> Firstly, learn more about our research areas and the research currently being conducted at SAMS. Decide which area your idea is relevant to and consider how it could enhance our research efforts.
> Look at the individual researcher pages over on our “People” page and identify who may be a suitable supervisor for your research idea.
> Finally, please contact by email to Bernadette.Snow@sams.ac.uk.
To apply you will need to submit
> Completed MRes Research Degree Student application form: Research Degree Student application 1.0 2024-25_SAMSMRes
> The research proposal agreed with the Director of Studies who has agreed to supervise your MRes project.
> Copies of all official qualification certificates and transcripts. If your official certificates/transcripts are not in English, this must be accompanied by a fully certified translation provided by a professional translator/translation company.
> For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language test certificate (IELTS or equivalent) is required and the certificate must have been gained within the past 2 years.
> A copy of the photo page of your passport if you are not a UK national. Please see International entry requirements and Visa Advice. Also include any pages which indicate a right of abode in the UK.
> Copy of all your official degree transcripts. If you have not yet completed your degree, please send a transcript showing all your modules and grades.
>Two references using MRes Applicant Reference Request form that must be emailed to masters@sams.ac.uk
These documents must reach us by any deadline advertised. You can send them by email or post.
Interview information
The best candidates on paper will be invited for interview via Teams.
Research at SAMS is divided into three main areas: Ocean Systems, Dynamic Coasts and Blue Economy. Under each area sits a number of themes covering the diverse range of science that we undertake.
You may wish to consider a project based on one the following research themes:
Marine Science
Aquaculture
Oceanography (physical and biological)
Governance and Policy
Ocean and Coasts and Society
Nature Based Solutions
Deep Sea Ecology
Plastic Pollution
Robotics
Further to the above, some more specific areas that could support MRes projects include, but are not limited to:
Aquaculture and food security – looking at sustainably farming the ocean;
Marine energy including offshore wind, tidal through to decommissioning
Climate change and its impacts in the North Atlantic
Impact of human activities including marine pollutants (plastics), noise pollution
Functioning of the marine environment
Changes in ocean chemistry related to marine biogeochemical cycles
Climate justice, place-based climate adaptation
Art-based marine science approaches
Development of an indicator for fishery sustainability
Fair Isle demonstration and research MPA baseline plankton survey analysis