MRes Scientific Diving

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.

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more.

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.

The programme is structured around four new modules:

• SCIDIV5000 Scientific diving dissertation project 
• SCIDIV5001 Scientific diving field course 
• SCIDIV5002 Scientific diving research skills 
• SCIDIV5003 - Scientific diving theory and practice