Study marine science at »ئة«تسئµ - the ocean needs YOU!
> Diverse and highly relevant modules delivered by active world class researchers
> Small class sizes, easy access to lecturers, high fieldwork and practical content
> Stunning marine location with access to diverse coastal habitats and outdoor lifestyle opportunities
> Excellent study and research facilities
> Opportunities to transfer to specialist subjects in higher years: Marine Biology, Arctic Studies or Oceanography & Robotics.
Course code: F710
Students on this four-year course in marine science develop a rounded understanding of the marine system. The programme integrates the biology, chemistry, physics and geology of the marine environment from Scottish lochs to the deep sea and from polar seas to the tropics.
Besides knowledge students gain expert numerical, technical, analytical, field sampling, time management and communication skills that make them critical thinkers and highly employable.
The course is administered and awarded by UHI and is delivered face-to-face at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (»ئة«تسئµ). »ئة«تسئµ is Scotland's premier independent marine research institution and the degree curriculum strongly reflects the research strengths of our scientists.
Our campus is right on the beach of a stunning peninsula on the iconic and diverse west coast of Scotland. Next door is a 13th century castle on one side and the European Marine Science Park with various companies on the other. It's a great place to learn about the sea, live the outdoor lifestyle and build professional connections and friendships within the marine science community.
»ئة«تسئµ has approximately 160 staff and a similar number of students enroled on BSc, Master and PhD programmes.
This amazing student to staff ratio gives our students an unmatched opportunity to learn from and with a team of highly research active and globally connected researchers. It also allows students great access to the latest research equipment and provides them with many opportunities for additional experience and networking.
Students generally study full-time (40 hours per week between lectures, practical work, own study time and assignments) over four years but part-time options are available.
We encourage students to spread their wings while studying with us - spending exchange semesters away for example at or the or gaining valuable experience in marine science during their holidays.
Founded in 1884 by , the father of oceanography, »ئة«تسئµ is among the oldest marine science organisations in the world.
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.
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 Maths 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
- >Chemical Oceanography
- >Data Science
- >Marine Geology
- >Physical Oceanography
- >Marine Biology
Optional modules (choose one)
- >Advanced Maths and Programming (essential for Oceanography & Robotics pathway)
- >Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- >Marine Resources
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.
Students on all pathways have to conduct a mandatory literature review.
Marine science students are free to choose any five further modules offered. Students studying on the Marine Biology, Arctic Studies or Oceanography and Robotics pathways have to select pathway-relevant mandatory modules.
Mandatory modules
- >Literature review
Optional modules (choose five)
- >Marine Pollution
- >Marine Zoology
- >Marine Microbial Ecology
- >Marine Instrumentation and Data
- >Marine Conservation
- >Marine Biogeochemical Cycling
- >Marine Robotics
- >Marine Biotechnology
- >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.
All students must complete the mandatory double dissertation module.
Marine science students are free to study any four other modules, while students on the various pathways have further relevant mandatory modules.
Mandatory modules
- >Dissertation (double module - running over both semesters)
Optional modules (choose four)
- >Aquaculture
- >Coastal Shelf Sea Dynamics
- >Fisheries Ecology
- >Defining the Carbon Cycle
- >Marine Environmental Impact Assessment
- >Deep Sea Ecosystems
- >Marine Modelling
- >Polar Seas
After successful completion of all four years students are awarded the qualification of BSc (Hons) Marine Science. This qualification is graded as first class (70%+), second class (upper) (60-69%), second class (lower) (50-59%) and third class (40-49%).
Through the Marine Science BSc programme students gain a wide range of knowledge and skills. They also learn about the many jobs and sectors that require or benefit from a marine science education.
- >Aquaculture
- >Fisheries
- >Marine conservation
- >Environmental consultancy
- >Environmental management eg in government agencies
- >Eco-tourism
- >Education
- >Research
- >Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
- >Marine energy (oil & gas, nuclear, renewables, biofuels)
- >Science / environment journalism
- >Surveying
- >Diving
- >Marine technology
Throughout their four-years at »ئة«تسئµ each students has a personal academic tutor. This is a member of the teaching staff who help the student with their academic development, define their career direction and plan how to prepare for the professional future they aspire to.
Not sure which career to follow?
Read up about some of the careers previous graduates from this programme are pursuing now...
For first year entry, prospective students must have:
- >English and Maths to at least GCSE /Intermediate2/S Grade/ National 5
AND
- >Scottish Higher: ABBB or above (at least 2 from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, Maths or other science subjects) OR
- >A Level: BCC or above (at least 2 from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Maths) OR
- >International Baccalaureate: 28 pts OR
- >Relevant Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP): ABBB
For entry into higher years, please contact admissions@sams.ac.uk.
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.
How to apply (UK applicants only)
You must apply via using the following codes
- >Marine Science BSc course code: F710
- >Institution code (UHI): H49
UCAS applications have strict , usually you must apply by mid-January if you want to start studying with us in September.
How to apply as an international applicant
International applicants are very welcome and must apply using the . Please visit the international student part of this website for language and visa requirments etc. Please get in touch with us if you are a prospective international candidate - we are friendly and here to help!
Course fees
The course fees for this programme vary for a) Scottish students, b) UK students from outside Scotland, and c) international students who do not reside in the UK. Please visit the UHI website for current fees - .
Living expenses
How much a student needs to live on depends on their personal needs and chosen lifestyle. Below is an idea of monthly living expenses of a typical student:
Rent in shared accommodation or small flat | £300-£700 |
Bills for electricity, gas, water | £30-£100 |
TV and internet | £20-£30 |
Food and household items | £200 |
Travel to »ئة«تسئµ from Oban by bus | You may qualify for free bus transport |
Study supplies | £20 |
Mobile phone | £15-£40 |
Insurance | £5 |
Other (hairdresser, gifts, dentist etc) | £40 |
Leisure | £100-£140 |
TOTAL | £700-£1,275 per month |
Other costs to consider
Laptop: We recommend students to have access to a laptop for their studies and assessments although we have a computer cluster that students without their own computers can use.
Council Tax: Students can apply for exemption from Council Tax, which is otherwise added to the cost and varies with type of property.
Deposit: You are very likely to have to pay a deposit for accommodation that will be repaid if you cause no damage but you need to budget this in.
Medical expenses: We have excluded these here as they vary from person to person (eg glasses, prescriptions, treatments).
Loan repayments: These too are excluded but if you need to make any you must of course include them in your personalised budget.
Car: If you choose to run a car, your monthly expenditure will go up significantly (road tax, insurance, petrol, maintenance, MOT)
Clothing: Depending on personal choices and needs.
»ئة«تسئµ travel: This is excluded in the above table as these costs vary individually.
Visas: International students may have to pay a fee for their visa to enter the UK.
Student hostel accommodation: link here
Undergraduate Open Day
NEXT BSc OPEN DAY - MONDAY 28th OCTOBER, 2024
11am to 1pm / 1.30pm to 3.30pm
(registration opens 2nd September)
Are you ready to sea the world differently and get inspired for a career in marine science?
Visit the #UniversityOnTheBeach! Sign up for our Open Day to tour our campus, meet students and staff and enjoy talks/demonstrations at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (»ئة«تسئµ).
The next BSc (Hons) Marine Science Open Day at »ئة«تسئµ takes place on Monday 28th October, 2024 with two time slots available for you to choose from (11am to 1pm or 1.30pm to 3.30pm). Registration for this event will open Monday 2nd September. Please note that due to popular demand, advance booking is essential and spaces are limited.
This event is ideal for those interested in applying to our BSc (Hons) Marine Science programme, for 2025 intake and beyond.
Roam our teaching labs, lecture rooms, canteen, our seaview balcony and more. Learn from staff and students what our programme could mean for your future and the future of our oceans. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the programme and visitors will also have the opportunity to chat to current students about what it's really like to study marine science at »ئة«تسئµ, a partner of UHI.
Make a day or a weekend of it!
»ئة«تسئµ' Ocean Explorer Centre (on-site), shop and café will be open to visitors too (Open Mon-Fri) where you can find out more about »ئة«تسئµ' mission to work for healthy oceans and the vital marine science research work we do. (Please note the Beach Café gets very busy at lunchtime). Visit Dunstaffnage Castle next door and find a hidden ruin chapel in the woods. Take a walk around the Dunstaffnage headland and discover stunning pebble beach coves and see what marine life you can find on our rocky shores.
»ئة«تسئµ, a partner of UHI, is one of the top places in the world to study marine science. We've celebrated a 100% student satisfaction score three years on a row in the National Student Survey. UHI was also 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for earth and marine sciences subjects in the #GuardianUniversityGuide 2022 and 2023.
If you have any questions about our Open Days please do not hesitate to contact our friendly education team by emailing bsc@sams.ac.uk.
If you can't make our Open Day, why not take our virtual tour! Visit our Open Day page to take the tour.
»ئة«تسئµ Ocean Leader Scholarship - BSc (Hons) Marine Science
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. »ئة«تسئµ 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 »ئة«تسئµ 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 »ئة«تسئµ 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: bsc@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.