Applied Marine Science MSci

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.

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 topics such as 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.  

There is an optional field trip to learn about tropical ecosystems that students can join when it is offered during their studies. This carries an additional cost for the student.

Read about the experiences of former students about the field trip here.

_{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.

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 32 points with 2 Higher level science subjects at grade 6 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:

2026-27: £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, and 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:

2026-27: £9,790 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 at the University of the Highlands and Islands. 

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 get 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.
2026-27: £13,970 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 the European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

2026-27: £17,970 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.

Click here to apply 

SAMS Ocean Leader Scholarship

Introduction
Our oceans are the most important component of Earth’s life support system. It provides us with oxygen, stabilises the climate and provides a myriad of wonders from the edge of the sandy beach to the deepest depths of the ocean. Yet our oceans are facing numerous challenges from climate change, pollution, ocean acidification and overexploitation. SAMS is committed to securing a healthy future for our seas and oceans, where generations to come can both experience and benefit from the wonders of the ocean. Through our education programmes, we are training the next generation of marine scientists. Through the Ocean Leader Scholarship programme SAMS is supporting three entrance undergraduate students who share our vision for our future oceans. Tell us what your future career aspirations are and how you think you can make a difference to the wonder that is our blue planet!

Amount: £1,500 per student

Eligibility
Open to all UK and International students

Applicants must be holding an offer to study on a SAMS marine science programme (and then must accept the offer and progress to full enrolment on the programme).

Students must also be able to provide details on academic achievement, financial situation and future career prospects.

For more enquiries or application form please contact: admissions@sams.ac.uk

Please note: Successful applicants will be expected to take part in promotional activities surrounding the scholarship – for example it is anticipated there will be a news story when awarding the first instalment of the scholarship.