Explore the depths of marine life from tiny organisms to majestic creatures and get ready for a meaningful career in marine biology, making a difference to the future health of our oceans, addressing critical issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Marine Biology pathway leader - Dr Callum Whyte
In this programme, students study general marine science for the first two years, and then focus on marine biological topics, completing a marine biology-related dissertation. The programme offers significant hands-on practical experiences. Modules are taught by world-class marine biology researchers working at a top UK marine research institute.
There's still time to join us this September
If you already have all your results, visit the UHI Clearing guide and apply online.
Questions? Get in touch at admissions@sams.ac.uk, and we'll be happy to help.
Each year, 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.
Marine biology pathways students study first and second year with all marine science students.
Mandatory modules
- Marine Mammals and Megafauna
- Marine Zoology
Optional modules (choose four)
- Marine Biogeochemical Cycling
- Marine Biotechnology
- Marine Conservation
- Marine Microbial Ecology
- Marine Observing Systems
- Marine Pollution
- Marine Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Ocean Circulation and Climate
A student who chooses to leave the programme after three years of successful study will be awarded an (ungraded) BSc Marine Science.
Mandatory modules
- Dissertation (double module in a topic relevant to Marine Biology)
- Behaviour and Biological Clocks
- Deep Sea Ecosystems
Optional modules (choose two)
- Applied Marine Robotics
- Aquaculture
- Coastal and Shelf Sea Dynamics
- Defining the Marine Carbon Cycle
- Marine Environmental Impact Assessment
- Marine Modelling
- Polar Seas
After successful completion of all four years students are awarded the qualification of BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Marine Biology.
This qualification is graded as first class (70%+), second class (upper) (60-69%), second class (lower) (50-59%) and third class (40-49%).