The MSci Applied Marine Science is a five-year undergraduate masters programme (Level 11 qualification) which includes a one-year work-based placement in the final year
UCAS code: UF714
There has never been a more important time to study Marine Science. Our oceans are facing many challenges from biodiversity loss and climate change to unregulated and non-sustainable use of limited resources. This MSci in Applied Marine Science is designed to provide world-class research-led training on the opportunities and challenges facing our oceans. The integrated Masters programme bridges the gap between academic learning and practical, real-world application, equipping students to become research and development leaders and innovators in Marine Science.
Through a diverse portfolio of yearlong integrated placement opportunities students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to practical real-world applications. Gaining such work-based experience during studies is invaluable for training, employability, and future career prospects.
Students will gain a detailed knowledge about marine science from an integrated holistic programme designed by researchers at one of the UK’s leading oceanographic institutions. SAMS is unique in being a research-led charity with modern state-of-the-art facilities based in a coastal setting on the west coast of Scotland.
This programme is a full-time five-year undertaking and is taught face-to-face / in person.
The MSci Applied Marine Science is taught via lectures, tutorials and practical field and laboratory work, with support at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI in Oban, on the west coast of Scotland. During this time, students will have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, and expert advice from active marine science researchers.
In their final year, students undertake a mandatory work placement.
In the first four years, students study six 20 credit (10 ECTS) modules, usually three per semester.
Most modules are assessed through a combination of examination and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment is designed to suit the subject area and mostly includes one or several of these: lab reports, field course reports, essays, talks, poster presentations, research proposals, policy briefings etc
Named qualifications are available to students leaving after any year of successful study.
In the first year the new students develop solid foundations in the core sciences and develop the key skills they need in the laboratory, in the field, and for communicating their work. All six first year modules are mandatory.
- >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
If a student chooses to leave after passing the first year, they will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Fundamentals of Marine Science.
In the second year students deepen their knowledge of the core sciences and continue developing analytical skills.
Marine science students study five mandatory modules and may chose one optional subject. Students who want to study the Oceanography and Robotics pathway, have to study six mandatory modules.
Mandatory modules
- >Marine Biology
- >Chemical Oceanography
- >Physical Oceanography
- >Data Science
- >Marine Geology
Optional modules (choose one)
- >Advanced Maths and Programming
- >Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- >Marine Resources
Students will also access work placement skills training
If a student chooses to leave after successfully completing the second year, they will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Foundations of Marine Science.
In third year students dive deeper in marine science with more applied options and specialisations.
Mandatory modules
- >Literature review
Optional modules (choose five)
- >Marine Biogeochemical Cycling
- >Marine Biotechnology
- >Marine Conservation
- >Marine Instrumentation and Data
- >Marine Microbial Ecology
- >Marine Pollution
- >Marine Robotics
- >Marine Zoology
- >Ocean Circulation and Climate
Students will continue receiving work placement skills training
A student who chooses to leave the programme after three years of successful study will be awarded an (ungraded) BSc Marine Science.
All students must complete the mandatory double dissertation module and four optional modules.
Mandatory modules
- >Dissertation (spanning both semesters)
Optional modules (choose four)
- >Aquaculture
- >Coastal & Shelf Sea Dynamics
- >Fisheries Ecology
- >Defining the Marine Carbon Cycle
- >Marine Environmental Impact Assessment
- >Deep Sea Ecology
- >Marine Modelling
- >Polar Seas
Students will continue to receive work placement skills training.
If a student chooses to leave after passing the fourth year, they will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Marine Science. This qualification is graded as first class (70%+), second class (upper) (60-69%), second class (lower) (50-59%) or third class (40-49%).
Students will spend the year in a work placement, completing the Marine Science Placement Module.
At the successful conclusion, they will graduate with an MSci in Applied Marine Science.
YEAR 5 - Marine Science Placement Module (Level 11 MSci)
The integrated Masters programme bridges the gap between academic learning and practical, real-world application, equipping you to become research and development leaders and innovators in marine science
In year five of this programme, students spend 9-12 months on a workplace integrated learning placement.
Gaining work-based experience during your studies is invaluable for your training, employability, and future career prospects. This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake extended hands-on, relevant work experience within a work-based setting under the guidance of both placement and SAMS-based supervisors.
You will select a placement in consultation with the programme team, tailored to your interests and career goals. Securing the placement is your responsibility and will take place during the first semester of your third year, with comprehensive training, support, and guidance provided to assist you in this process. Students will build a relationship with the employer over the course of the third and fourth year in readiness for the transition into the placement year.
During the placement year, you will gain a significant range of practical experience, develop a professional skills portfolio, and undertake an independent project. Regular meetings with the MSci cohort, programme leader, and your academic/ work placement supervisors will ensure you remain supported and aligned with the module’s objectives.
Assessment for this module include a presentation to future MSci students, a workplace skills portfolio, student placement report and Viva (oral exam).
Industrial placement preparatory course
To prepare students for the industrial placement, in addition to the training provided in years 2-4, students will undertake a two-week preparatory training course prior to their 5th year.
This course will include training in reflective learning and professional development, entrepreneurship, project management, and writing work placement reports. In addition, industry and academic experts will provide sessions on useful advice on topics such as law, compliance, ethics, health and safety, professional/effective communication, Intellectual Property (protection and commercialisation), funding (trusts/foundations) landscape and international regulation and regional sea conventions.
For first year entry, prospective students must have:
- >English and Maths to at least National 5, Standard Grade or GCSE level
AND
- >Four Scottish Highers at grade AABB or above (at least 2 from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, Maths, Computer Science or other science subjects) OR
- >Three A Levels at grade BBC or above (at least 2 sciences as listed above) OR
- >International Baccalaureate at 28 points with 2 Higher level science subjects at grade 7 OR
- >Recognised Access to HE courses (SWAP): ABB
International students whose first language is not English must also meet relevant language competency standards.
Advanced entry to year two may be possible with an HNC Applied Sciences or HNC Bioscience, achieving an A in the graded unit.
You don't have these qualifications?
Students with other qualifications, especially international, should contact us to discuss the specifics.
Applicants without traditional entry qualifications are welcome if they can provide evidence of required knowledge and competence.
Please contact us if your application needs to be considered on an individual basis.
Scottish domiciled students
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
2025-26: £1,820 full-time study per year
This category includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK, EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
2025-26: £9,250 per year for years 1-4, while the MSci fifth year is free for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous four years.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will, however, receive an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 5th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous four years at the University of the Highlands and Islands. This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
2025-26: £12,950 per year for years 1-4 and free for the final year.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
2025-26: 16,950 per year full-time study
The MSci is administered and awarded by UHI, with students taught face-to-face at SAMS in Oban. The programme is open to UK, EU, and international students.