Scientific Diving

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.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

MRes Scientific Diving delivers a cutting-edge scientific diving programme to students with a background in biology, marine biology or marine sciences. Learn the skills you need to be a professional scientific diver on the only masters level scientific diving programme in the world and contribute to our understanding of the oceans in your future career.

Key features:

• We are currently the only university in the UK offering a professional scientific diving programme and have 30 years experience of delivering professional diver training
• Costs for HSE SCUBA or alternative skills provision included in course fees
• Field-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
• The University is ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
• We 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)
• We are one of the largest trainers of scientific divers in Europe
• Industry focussed content with some delivery by industry partners
• Hands on, experiential training
• A bespoke programme delivered by academic and technical staff currently involved at the cutting edge of delivering scientific diving projects internationally
• A research-driven programme, with the opportunity to undertake research projects embedded within leading organisations undertaking scientific diving worldwide