Program Overview

MSc International Marine Science

The online MSc International Marine Science at Heriot-Watt University equips students with the scientific expertise and practical insight to protect and sustainably manage ocean resources. Integrating marine biology, oceanography, ecology, and environmental policy, the programme prepares students to address the challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and resource exploitation in the world's seas and coastal systems.

Programme Overview

Students gain the knowledge to understand, manage, and conserve marine environments while developing research, analytical, and leadership skills valued across consultancy, government, and NGOs. The programme is designed to prepare students to make a meaningful impact in global marine conservation and sustainability.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate
• Delivery type: Self-paced
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Location: Online
• Duration: Flexible
• Start date: January, May, September

Course Content

Students undertake eight taught courses and a dissertation. The core courses include:

• Applied Research Design and Analysis
• GIS for Marine and Environmental Scientists
• Oceanography Optional courses include:
  • Tropical and Coral Reefs: Monitoring and Management
  • Environmental Evidence Synthesis
  • Environmental Processes
  • Energy Transition Lab
  • Fisheries Sustainability and Gear Technology
  • Introduction to Marine Planning
  • Marine Renewable Energy Technology
  • Marine Environmental Monitoring
  • Renewable Technology Commercialisation
  • Science Communication and Engagement
  • Marine Resources and Sustainability
  • Diversity of Marine Organisms
  • Transition Engineering – Achieving Zero Carbon InTIME
  • Equity, Economics and Ecosystems under Pressure
  • Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation
  • Practical Skills in Marine Surveying
  • Marine Ecotoxicology
  • Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation The dissertation is titled ILES Environment Dissertation.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees: Available on a pay-per-course basis.
  • Per course: £1,315
  • Dissertation: £1,820
  • Full programme: £12,340
• Funding opportunities:
  • Pay Per Course: Allowing students to spread the cost of tuition over the lifetime of their studies.
  • 20% Alumni Discount: For Heriot-Watt alumni.
  • Employer Sponsorship: Allowing employers to sponsor students.

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements: A good undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2 honours or equivalent) in engineering or a relevant science discipline.
• Alternative entry: Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be considered for students with relevant industrial experience or membership of a professional institution.
• English language requirements: Minimum IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

The programme prepares students for global careers in marine management, consultancy, or environmental governance. Potential career paths include:

• Marine Environmental Consultant
• Conservation Scientist
• Marine Policy Advisor
• Environmental Analyst
• Oceanographic Researcher

Research

The programme is research-led, with teaching delivered by active researchers at The Lyell Centre and Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology. Students learn from marine scientists contributing to cutting-edge marine science and policy, ensuring their education remains globally relevant and rooted in current environmental priorities.