Marine Environmental Protection

This MSc is a full-time one-year course, consisting of 9 months taught course and 3 months research project, and examined by continuous assessment. The course provides theoretical and practical training in measuring and quantifying marine resources and the effects of conflicting usage upon them. It provides a sound scientific basis on which to develop policy and make decisions on marine resource exploitation and protection around the world.

The course provides training addressing the following major themes:

• Marine Ecology Skills (20 credits)
• Marine Fisheries (20 credits)
• Coastal Habitat & Survey (20 credits)
• Marine Environmental Impacts (20 credits)
• Marine Conservation and Coastal Zone Management (20 credits)
• Research Design and Planning (20 credits)
• Research Project and Dissertation (60 credits)

The programme is achieved through a series of compulsory modules encompassing theory, practical, private study and practical research.

Career Destinations

• Public Sector, e.g. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Waterways Board, County Councils, Fisheries Protection Committee, National Rivers Authority/Environment Agency, EEC Environmental Commission.
• Private Sector, e.g. Aquatic consultancies specialising in survey and environmental impact assessment, aquaculture, oil industry, mining, instrument development, informatics and computing.
• Voluntary organisations such as World Wide Fund for Nature, Greenpeace, Wildlife Trusts, RSPCA, Royal Geographical Society.
• Higher Education and Research, e.g. Doctorate Research, Research Assistants, University Lecturing, British Antarctic Survey, Field Centre teaching assistants.
• Overseas students return to comparable posts overseas.
• UK students employed overseas in comparable posts.

Applicants are normally expected to have a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree for admission and to have a background in marine, environmental, zoological, or biological sciences, although we have accepted students with subjects as diverse as geography and mining engineering. We also accept mature applicants (age 25+) without formal qualifications, but with suitable relevant experience.IELTS: 6.5 (with no element below 6.0) is required. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Some funding may be available for eligible applicants. Nominations are made by Course Directors who take into account: degree classification, personal statement and references.