Hands On Learning • Small Class Sizes • Field Research Opportunities
Applications for our 2026 Summer programs and the 2026 Fall Program in Marine Sciences are now open!
Why Study at BMSC?
Experience the life-changing environment of Barkley Sound. BMSC is located in a pristine west coast natural environment with a diversity of coastal habitats
Discover the unique biology and culture of the region around BMSC during your undergraduate field course.
Engage with real research questions and community-based learning – Opportunities to engage with passionate and skilled faculty, researchers, and industry.
Experiential learning – Our field school courses focus on hands-on learning of skills that can be applied to academia and/or industry.
Fully accredited university courses – BMSC courses can be directly accredited to your degree.
Intense immersion experience – our undergraduate and graduate courses allow for focus, concentration, and retention of material.
Independent and team-based research projects – our marine field courses provide the opportunity to explore your personal interest at a state-of-the-art research facility, with unmatched safe ocean access.
Small class sizes – smaller groups allow you to connect with your professor and peers during courses.
“It has been consistently true that the top applicants for [grad student] positions have been people with field school experience, like BMSC.”
Dr. Brett Favaro
Research Scientist, Liber Ero Fellow
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University
Our university credit courses are open to senior undergraduates, graduates and other qualified persons. BMSC courses are directly credited towards member university degree programs (University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary).
Students from other Canadian and international universities can register as a visiting student at the University of Victoria, and in most cases can transfer credit to their home university. Non-credit options are also available.
Contact BMSC’s University Programs office with your questions.
Testimonials for BMSC Undergraduate Field Courses
“The beauty of the fall program is it shows you not only what it’s like to do field work, but it shows you the possibilities of what it’s like to be a biologist, ecologist and live like that. To be around people in your field all the time. People who have the same passions as you. You also learn what it’s like to have resources to conduct those studies that you want to do. So, it’s really helpful if you’re looking to go to grad school or to stay in this field.” – Talen Rimmer, Fall Program 2017, currently working as a biologist with the DFO
“The In Pursuit of the Whale 2018 course changed my life! And I made a best friend who I still stay in touch with and see every couple of years despite living on different continents. Truly the most incredible few weeks in Bamfield.” – Sophia Nicolov, Environmental historian, Natural History Musuem, London UK via LinkedIn
BMSC field course videos
Videos by Leya Tess
“The courses at BMSC helped me decide my future career goals and increased my interest in the area of marine biology. I would recommend courses at BMSC to any student who really wants to know the basics about research.”
Marine Protected Areas student
I am grateful for all the ways you keep the exceptional educational centre operating and for the culture of mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and whole person learning you support.
Place-based Learning in Huu-ay-aht Territory student
“BMSC was the perfect place for a summer field course. Not only was it amazing to spend every day out on the ocean with its beautiful view of the mountains, but the people here made it have such a positive atmosphere – I don’t want to leave!”
“I adored my time here at BMSC. The facilities, the food, the people, everything was completely top notch! I will most certainly be back, and will definitely be recommending BMSC courses to all my friends”
Marine Behavioural Ecology students
“This was the greatest experience I’ve had in my university career and I would highly recommend it to everyone!”
“I appreciated the passion and hard work that went into making the experience at Bamfield a positive one. The staff is approachable but takes their work and safety seriously. I felt comfortable working on the water and staying on campus.”
“Amazing experience! I cannot wait to come back for my next course!”
“BMSC has been possibly the best post-secondary experience I’ve had. Everyone is super friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. I’ve been able to gain a lot of experience in the field and made connections with a variety of interesting people. Thank you so much for all your hard work!!”
Coastal Community Ecology students.
“I’m really grateful to have so many people here at BMSC who go above and beyond allyship when it comes to my gender. Feeling supported and it makes such a difference” –Fall Program Student