The Marine Station has a small core of academic staff, plus support personnel, including administrative and technical staff, research vessel crews, professional divers and accommodation staff. It is ideally situated for marine biological teaching and research, being in sheltered waters on the eastern shore of the Isle of Cumbrae (Great Cumbrae), in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland.

The site has a rich history in marine studies dating from the late 1800s. A diversity of rocky and sandy shores and maritime habitats are within easy access, many within walking distance. The surrounding sea supports a rich and varied fauna that is accessed using the Marine Station’s research vessels, boarded from its pier. The location is readily accessible by a 10 minute ferry journey from Largs, which is close to the transport hubs of Glasgow and Prestwick.

Why study with us?

Courses at the Marine Station provide a rich learning experience in a spectacular environment. The Marine Station, which has Higher Education Funding Council for England recognition as the National Facility for Marine Biology Fieldwork Teaching, and receives additional support from the Scottish Funding Council, provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in marine biology and marine microbiology for Colleges of the University of London, and for the University of Glasgow with which it has a close relationship. In addition, the Marine Station accepts visiting classes from around 30 higher education institutions (from the UK and overseas).

Those wishing to use the Marine Station for teaching or research, or attend its courses will find guidance on the website.

Facilities

The Station has on-site hostel and flat accommodation, classrooms provided with running seawater and serviced by experienced technical staff, a wide range of field and laboratory equipment, good computer facilities, and a well-provisioned library. Research equipment includes scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

Diving activities are supported by staff divers and a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber. A Specimen Supply service provides marine material for teaching, primarily to UK institutions. The Marine Station houses a small museum and public aquarium.

Two modern research vessels RV Aora (22 metres) and RV Actinia (11 metres) support teaching and research needs and are available for charter.