Marine Resource Management (MRM)

Advertisement

This is a 12 month full-time MSc degree course taught at our Orkney Campus. It involves studying 8 taught courses. If you can demonstrate that you have already mastered the subject, you may apply for an exemption from one of the taught courses and undertake a Development Project instead. The MSc programme is completed with a research dissertation equivalent to 4 taught courses.

* Delivery: Full Time
* Programme type: Taught Programme
* Study location: Orkney
* Entry date: September

Conservation, Sustainable Development & Resource Management

This course takes a broad look at the principles of sustainability and sustainable resource use, including environmental ethics. You will explore the challenges faced by policy makers and marine managers when incorporating these broad principles into policy and practice. You will learn about how sensitive habitats and the species they support are managed and protected, and how impacts from development are mitigated. The course gives an introduction to biodiversity conservation and the biodiversity action planning process, as well as examining issues around the relationship between conservation and science.

Environmental Policy & Risk

This course explores the legal and policy context in which renewable energy is being exploited. You will gain an understanding of international law, particularly the Law of the Sea, property rights and how these relate to different energy resources. The course also looks at regulatory issues at the international, European and UK level, which affect how energy developments are taken forward, as well as risk assessment and management in the context of renewable energy developments.

Oceanography & Marine Biology

This course is designed to give you an understanding of the science of waves and tides, and how this affects efforts to exploit energy from these resources. You will also learn about marine ecosystems and how these may be impacted by energy extraction and about the challenges and impacts associated with carrying out engineering operations in the marine environment.

Resource Development

This course examines the exploitation and use of marine resources (including oil and gas, fisheries, transport, renewables, aquaculture and tourism), issues associated with development in the marine environment (including pollution and waste) and how these activities are regulated. You will learn about marine technologies and the challenges of developing and deploying technologies to exploit resources in the marine environment.

Introduction to Marine Spatial Planning

This course introduces students to the emerging policy and practice of marine planning (global and regional). It examines political, jurisdictional and rights issues in the introduction of economic activities into the marine commons (the Blue Growth Agenda). The framework of marine legislation is explained and methods of conflict resolution are explored. A series of international case studies will identify the various tools and techniques being used around the world to manage human activity and balance conservation interests with demands for economic growth.

GIS

Geographic Information System mapping is a tool which is now widely used by both developers and regulators in the management and development of marine resources. Within the context of Marine Spatial Planning the use of GIS has rapidly become the standard means of collating and analysing spatial information regarding resource use. This course will explain the principles and provide hands-on experience of applying state of the art mapping software in project based case studies.

Development Appraisal

Looking at what happens when renewable energy technologies are deployed, this course examines development constraints and opportunities: policy and regulatory issues (including strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, landscape assessment, capacity issues and the planning system). It also looks at the financial aspects (valuation of capital asses, financing projects and the costs of generating electricity) and at project management.

Development Project

This is a team project, where students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned through the other courses in relation to a hypothetical project. You have to look at a range of issues including resource assessment, site selection, development layout, consents, planning and economic appraisal, applying the knowledge and tools you have studied.

Additional information

If you study at our Orkney Campus, you will also benefit from a number of activities including field trips, guest lectures and practicals, which help to develop your skills and knowledge in your field of study, and offer opportunities to meet developers and others involved in the renewable energy industry.

For MSc level entry, students must hold a good degree in or a relevant discipline (eg life sciences, engineering, environmental studies, business studies, surveying) from a UK or Overseas University. In addition to the academic qualifications, motivation, industrial experience and personality are taken into consideration.English language requirementsIf your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, well need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme: * 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5-5.0); * 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5); * 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5*-6.0). (*minimum 5.5 reading and writing) English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 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.

Scholarships & bursaries
* Alumni Scholarship Scheme
Heriot-Watt Alumni
* Carnegie-Cameron Taught Postgraduate Bursaries
Applicants must be Scottish by birth, have at least one parent born in Scotland or have been continuously resident in Scotland for a period of three years for the purpose of secondary or tertiary education.
* Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
International (Commonwealth citizens)
* Department for International Development (DFID) Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Commonwealth citizens
* East Lothian Educational Trust
Applicants must be a resident of the old county of East Lothian (ie excluding Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig.)
* Industry Scholarships (PET)
UK and EU taught course applicants to IPE
* Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust
Restricted to residents of the UK who are a son, daughter, spouse, widow or widower of a commercial traveller, chemist or grocer.
* Local Education Authority Awards
Various
* Mexican Scholarships
Mexican applicants
* Music Scholarships
All students
* Part-time Fee Grant (SAAS)
See SAAS residence conditions.
* Postgraduate Student Allowance Scheme (SAAS)
EU and UK applicants who meet the SAAS criteria on eligible courses
* Remission of Fees (families of staff)
Spouses/civil partners and children of members of staff, also retired members of staff of the University
* Royal Caledonian Schools Trust
Applicants must be of Scots parentage (conditions apply - see below)
* Scotland's Saltire Scholarships
Citizens of Canada, the People's Republic of China, India or USA (2 awards for each country)
* Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Bursaries (PET)
Full-time postgraduate students and undergraduate students studying Oil & Gas industry related courses from the 5 universities listed below
* Sports Scholarships
All students
* Staff Scholarships
Employees of Heriot-Watt University
* The Consumer Affairs UK Scholarship Programme
All currently enrolled students
* West Lothian Educational Trust
Individuals must have originated in West Lothian or have lived there for the last 3 years.