Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems

Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems is an innovative postgraduate programme offered by the University of St Andrews, designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in managing and conserving marine ecosystems. This interdisciplinary course combines principles from marine biology, environmental science, policy analysis, and resource management to prepare graduates for careers in marine conservation, environmental consultancy, governmental agencies, and international organizations. Throughout the programme, students will explore the functioning and structure of marine ecosystems, the challenges posed by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, and the approaches necessary to develop sustainable management strategies. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in ecosystem assessment, data analysis, and policy formulation, complemented by fieldwork and case studies from diverse marine environments around the world. Students will also examine legal frameworks, international agreements, and stakeholder engagement processes that influence marine resource management. The programme encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to design and implement ecosystem-based management plans that balance ecological health with economic and social needs. Taught by leading experts in marine sciences and environmental policy, the course fosters a multidisciplinary perspective essential for addressing the complex challenges facing our oceans today. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared to take on roles in research, policy development, and management, contributing to the sustainable future of marine ecosystems globally. This programme is suitable for recent graduates and professionals seeking specialized knowledge in marine ecosystem management, providing a rigorous academic foundation and practical experience necessary for advancing in this vital field.

The modular curriculum is designed to be coherent, providing an excellent integrated training for future careers in marine management or scientific research.Teaching takes the form of lectures, tutorials, discussions, debates and workshops. Practicals involve laboratory work, field excursions, modelling and computer-based data analysis. Class sizes range from 5 to 30 students, depending on the activity. There is a strong focus on small-group teaching so that students are individually supported and can ask for help when it is needed.

In Semester 2 there are optional field courses: a polar field course in Antarctica or a tropical scientific diving course in Indonesia.

From May to August, students focus solely on their research project, which can be undertaken at either SOI or SAMS, leading to the submission of a 15,000-word dissertation.  

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. 

Semester 1 modules (taught at SOI)

At SOI, students follow a coherent course of modules that provide sound training in essential skills for ecosystem-based management.

• Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems: the development of ecosystem-based management.
• Quantitative Methods for Biology: basic numerical and computation skills necessary for visualising and summarising data sets.
• Statistical Modelling of Biological Data: introduces methods for fitting models to biological data, mainly using R software.
• Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management: provides an introduction to Geographic Information systems and their use in environmental problem solving.

Semester 2 modules (taught at SAMS)

At SAMS, students combine a compulsory module in Research Methods with a choice from optional modules.

• Marine Systems Research Methods: training in a variety of methods used in sampling the marine environment, as well as in the writing of a formal research funding proposal. This module involves elements of field data collection in the local area and laboratory analysis.

Students choose two optional modules from the following. These modules require a minimum number of participants to be offered. Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

• Advanced Modelling: an advanced course building on the basic concepts of system modelling, including physical circulation models, individual and population-based spatial models and ecosystem modeling techniques.
• Marine Management, Policy and Planning: the issues surrounding the management of marine resources. As part of the assessment for this course, students develop an in-depth plan for a local area, gaining valuable experience of the approaches and problems of the emerging field of marine spatial planning.
• Professional Skills: covers project and time management, how to review, read and write a scientific paper, and how to promote your research to the public.
• Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems: field course located in southern Argentina and Antarctica (requires payment of expedition fee); or Scientific Diving: field course located in Indonesia (requires suitable diving qualifications and payment of expedition fee). 

Research project and dissertation

During the final four months of the course, students complete a research project culminating in the presentation of a written 15,000-word dissertation. This provides important training in lab, field and analytical methods, and also in scientific writing skills. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their own project plan. Training in proposal writing is provided in Semester 2 during the lead-up to the project itself.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Requirements

• Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Russian Bachelor’s degree - Diplom Bakalavra/ Bakalavr Diploma or a Specialist Degree issued by the Russian Federation -  Specialist Diploma / Diplom Specialista.  In either case, students should have completed their degree with an average mark (grade) of 4 or higher on the Russian 5-point marking scale.  Students with higher level qualifications such as Magistr, the Kandidat Nauk, would also be considered for postgraduate study.
• Completed Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems supplementary application form
• CV
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• IELTS 7.0

Scholarships

• Russia Global Education Program (GEP)
• Accommodation Award
• Chevening Scholarships 
• Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust Bursary 

The MSc in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems at the University of St Andrews is a specialized postgraduate program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable management of marine ecosystems. This program emphasizes the integration of ecological, economic, and social dimensions to address the complex challenges facing marine environments today. Students will explore various topics including marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, human impacts on marine systems, and strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The curriculum often combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, such as case studies, fieldwork, and policy analysis, preparing graduates for careers in marine conservation, environmental consultancy, policy-making, and research.

The program typically attracts students from diverse backgrounds including marine biology, environmental science, policy, and economics, fostering a multidisciplinary learning environment. Coursework may cover topics like marine spatial planning, marine policy frameworks, climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and stakeholder engagement. Students also develop skills in data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental assessment techniques. The program’s pathway may include a dissertation or research project, allowing students to investigate specific issues within marine ecosystem management in depth.

Graduates of this program benefit from the university’s strong links with marine research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, providing opportunities for networking, internships, and collaborative research. The university’s location in St Andrews offers access to diverse marine environments for field studies, enhancing practical learning experiences. Upon completion, students are well-equipped to pursue careers in research institutions, governmental agencies, international organizations, or environmental NGOs dedicated to marine conservation and resource management.

Overall, the MSc in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems at St Andrews aims to contribute to the development of future leaders capable of implementing innovative and sustainable solutions for the preservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems globally.