Program Overview
Skip to main content MSc International Marine Science Find out how to apply More on this subject Key information Level Postgraduate Taught Delivery type Full Time, Part Time Degree qualification MSc Mode of delivery On-Campus Duration 1 year Location Edinburgh Start date September MSc International Marine Science provides those of you with a bachelor-level graduate degree in Biology the opportunity to build your marine science knowledge and expertise. For those of you from a different academic background, the programme offers you the opportunity to prepare for employment in the wider international marine management and planning sector, through studying a range of relevant topical issues within this area. You’ll gain a broad knowledge of the fundamental principles, interdisciplinary nature, and innovative international practices in the global marine science field. You’ll explore marine resources and their sustainable exploitation, and how to use this theoretical knowledge in real-world practical applications. You’ll also consider strategic environmental assessment, policy, legal, ethical and health and safety issues of concern in the marine environment.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Heriot-Watt University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Marine Science programme at Heriot-Watt University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in interdisciplinary studies value. Common career destinations include:
- Leadership / Management Role: Apply advanced knowledge in leadership positions across industries.
- Research & Academia: Pursue doctoral studies or an independent research career.
- Consulting: Provide specialist expert advice to organisations in the field.
- Policy & Government: Shape public policy and sectoral regulation.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch innovative ventures leveraging deep specialist expertise.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Course content
MSc International Marine Science provides those of you with a bachelor-level graduate degree in Biology the opportunity to build your marine science knowledge and expertise. For those of you from a different academic background, the programme offers you the opportunity to prepare for employment in the wider international marine management and planning sector, through studying a range of relevant topical issues within this area. You’ll gain a broad knowledge of the fundamental principles, interdisciplinary nature, and innovative international practices in the global marine science field.
You’ll explore marine resources and their sustainable exploitation, and how to use this theoretical knowledge in real-world practical applications. You’ll also consider strategic environmental assessment, policy, legal, ethical and health and safety issues of concern in the marine environment.
The career-focused master’s programme will develop your technical, scientific, and managerial abilities, relevant for a marine science career in academia, industry, government and non-governmental organisations.
Your learning will be informed by experts in marine science, renewable energy, economics, and transition engineering from our Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES). The Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology (CMBB) is based at the Edinburgh campus and the International Centre for Islands Technology (ICIT) in Stromness, Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus . These research facilities are part of Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), which is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity.
The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain innovative and industry focused. Your learning environment
The MSc International Marine Science is taught though a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals and field work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your dissertation, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.
During your studies, you’ll benefit from and have access to our specialist equipment, software and laboratories. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems at a range of locations within the United Kingdom and abroad, and work across disciplines to deliver practical solutions with global impact.
Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union, based at the Edinburgh campus, by participating in student groups, becoming an Academic Rep, and joining societies.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a science subject with evidence of maths/numeracy courses passed at C or experience from a work environment can also be considered. Please include your CV as part of your application.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements .
Months of entry
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 18730
Fees and funding
UK students £12,340 International students £28,056
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support. Postgraduate European Union Scholarship Open to any student coming from an EU country, this scholarship is an automatically applied £5,000 fee reduction for a full-time postgraduate taught programme at Heriot-Watt University.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
UK students £12,340 International students £28,056
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support. Postgraduate European Union Scholarship Open to any student coming from an EU country, this scholarship is an automatically applied £5,000 fee reduction for a full-time postgraduate taught programme at Heriot-Watt University.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Heriot-Watt University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months
