MRes Scientific Diving

University of Plymouth

United Kingdom, Plymouth

University RankQS Ranking

674

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Home/United Kingdom/Plymouth /University of Plymouth/MRes Scientific Diving

University of Plymouth

United Kingdom , Plymouth

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Plymouth

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,800 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

MRes Scientific Diving

About

Key features

8We are currently the only university in the UK offering a professional scientific diving programme and have 30 years experience of delivering professional diver training
8Costs for HSE SCUBA or alternative skills provision included in course fees
8Field-course costs included in course fees, for flights, diving, kit hire (except a dive computer if required), accommodation, breakfast and lunch on days when diving are included
8

Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023
8We are ranked #1 in the world for the impact of our marine research in support of ocean global sustainability goals (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021)
8We are one of the largest trainers of scientific divers in Europe
8Industry focussed content with some delivery by industry partners
8Hands on, experiential training
8A bespoke programme delivered by academic and technical staff currently involved at the cutting edge of delivering scientific diving projects internationally
8A research-driven programme, with the opportunity to undertake research projects embedded within leading organisations undertaking scientific diving worldwide

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

An honours degree in a relevant discipline such as marine biology, marine science, biology, zoology, ocean science, or an overseas equivalent at 2.1 or better.

If a candidate applies with a degree in a non-related discipline this may be considered if the applicant has significant relevant industry experience.

A minimum of grade C in English language at GCSE level OR a minimum overall score of 6.5 in IELTS with no less than 5.5 in any component.

Additional entry requirements

PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent, or a higher diving qualification
10 dives experience of diving in cool water, at least 5 in a drysuit.
A drysuit, undersuit, hood and gloves.
Water-proof jacket and trousers.
HSE diving medical – must be passed in Plymouth in the week before induction week if not already held at student’s cost. All candidates will need to have completed the MA1 pre-medical questionnaire form prior to their medical with a medical professional in their home country.
First Aid at Work qualification – must be undertaken in Plymouth in the week before induction week if not already held, at Student’s cost. Candidates must ensure this is the 3-day First Aid at Work course not the 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work course or similar.
Oxygen Administration certificate – can be undertaken in Plymouth in the week before induction week at student’s cost.
For the 2026 cohort, the ability to gain a visa to attend the field course in Indonesia, at the student’s cost. The field-course location may change in subsequent years.

Career

Careers with this subject

With the strong and increasing international interest in marine conservation and research, highly trained scientific divers are a critical resource.

Scientific diving is a highly useful skill to the marine scientist, but obtaining professional standard training is very difficult. Many science divers start off with recreational diving qualifications and gradually gain professional skills over many years. The MRes Scientific Diving programme aims to train you comprehensively in the core skills you need to work professionally as a diving scientist at the start of your scientific career. With the increasing understanding of the importance and vulnerability of the oceans, and the push to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030, employment potential for highly skilled graduate scientific divers globally is increasing, from the poles to the tropics.