BSc (Hons) in Marine Science

What is special about this course?

Are you passionate about our seas and oceans? Can you imagine studying at a beachfront campus, with an enormous wealth of marine and coastal environments right outside your door?

Dive into an incredible living research environment, with internationally-renowned, state-of-the-art marine laboratory facilities, at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on Scotland‘s west coast. Founded in 1884 by Sir John Murray, the father of oceanography, SAMS is among the oldest marine science organisations in the world.

Enjoy first-hand interactions with marine science experts, collect samples and data on research vessels, in aquaria and on the seashore, and develop excellent laboratory skills.

Choose to study abroad in your third year at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) in the Arctic Circle or Coastal Carolina, USA.

Explore the marine realm first hand and apply the latest technologies throughout your studies, with subjects such as oceanography, biogeochemical cycling, conservation, robotics, data analysis and instrumentation, polar seas, the marine carbon cycle, and much more.

A brilliant springboard to success in your future marine science career, exit with a BSc (Hons) Marine Science or choose to pursue pathways in Arctic Studies, Marine Biology, or Oceanography and Robotics.

Special features

• Opportunities to exit with any of the following four pathways:
  • BSc (Hons) Marine Science
  • BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Arctic Studies
  • BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Marine Biology
  • BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Oceanography and Robotics
• Opportunity to spend one or two semesters at:
  • the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) in the Arctic Circle
  • Coastal Carolina, USA
  • or at another partner university
• Study at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Scotland's premier independent marine research institution, located between a 13th century castle and the European Marine Science Park
• Excellent staff to student ratio, giving you an unmatched opportunity to learn from and with a team of highly research-active and globally connected researchers
• Access to internationally renowned marine laboratory facilities
• Based on the coastline of Oban, the ideal location for studying marine science, on the beach of a stunning peninsula on the iconic and diverse west coast of Scotland
• Independent research projects and field courses form a key part of your studies
• Study the biology, chemistry, physics, and geology of the marine environment, from Scottish lochs to the deep sea and from polar seas to the tropics
• Gain expert numerical, technical, analytical, field sampling, time management, and communication skills, to develop your critical thinking abilities and vastly improve your employability
• UHI were 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for earth and marine science studies
  • Guardian University Guide 2022 and 2023
• 100% Student Satisfaction , National Student Survey (NSS) 2020, 2021, 2022

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation on campus ideally suited to students on this course.

About Us

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is an integrated university encompassing both further and higher education, the only one in Scotland and one of only a few in Europe. We are not a traditional university. We are different.

Based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, we are a distinctive partnership of 10 independent colleges and research institutions. Our reputation is built on our innovative approach to learning and our distinctive research and curriculum – all enriched by the people, natural environment, economy, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands and its communities.

We have 36,000 students at the heart of our university partnership and we are measured by their success.

We're a little different...

The University of the Highlands and Islands gives you the chance to do something different, something special.

We offer a diverse range of courses, many taking advantages of our region's unique environment, landscape and culture.

Learn online from wherever you are

The university has some of the best online learning technologies meaning you can study many of our courses from home or work, wherever you are in the world.

Go on to achieve great things

Our close connections to local businesses will help you get into the industry you're passionate about. We work closely with employers (including SSE and NHS Scotland) to develop courses to secure your future success.