ObjectivesThe course introduces the physical environments of coasts and oceans and their exploitation and the institutional frameworks that have been devised for the management of them. It then goes on to develop the themes of valuation, management and policy. This course is recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and provides exemption from the academic requirements of entry to the profession.
Entry requirementsThis programme is for anyone who is working, or hopes to work, in marine resource policy or in the use or development of maritime resources or in the conservation of natural resources of coasts and oceans. It prepares students for work in industry, consultancy, central or local government, or with community groups or land owners. It is also useful in preparation for careers in research or teaching.
Course descriptionThe course of supported by a number of specialist research units in the University, while Portsmouth's location on the central south coast of England provides a rich local 'studio' to support teaching and learning. Graduate opportunities are global. They include working in central or local government and their agencies to design, monitor and review coastal and marine law and policy, implementing policy through public agencies or working in the private sector on specific projects.
The course is recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and provides exemption from the academic requirements of entry to that profession. A work experience programme operates for those who wish to participate.
The course may be undertaken by the traditional taught route or through independent study. The programme is covered over 3 semesters,the first equating with the Postgraduate Certificate,the second with the Postgraduate Diploma and the third with the Masters degree.
For those studying through the traditional route, the first semester provides an introduction to the physical environments of coasts and oceans, its resources and their exploitation and the institutional frameworks that have been devised for the management of these resources. A wide range of management techniques is examined and case studies are analysed to explore management processes.
The second semester develops themes of valuation, management and policy and students can choose options which allow them to pursue their interests in particular areas. The research methods unit undertaken at this stage prepares students for the dissertation that they will undertake over the summer, in the third semester.
The independent study route allows a higher proportion of the credit to be awarded for independent study. It is available to students who are already familiar with coastal and marine resource management.
Course framework
Core units
Exploitation and valuation of coastal and marine resources
Examines man's use of, and the value to society of, coastal and marine resources.
Physical processes
Examines the principal physical processes operating in the ocean margin and the coastal zone.
Institutional frameworks
Emphasises the importance and complexity of institutional arrangements in resource management.
Resource management
Explains the main concepts and provides a framework for studying resource management problems and issues.
Valuation of unpriced resources
Introduces you to, and applies, the principles behind, and the techniques for, non-market valuation.
Project appraisal
Introduces you to, and applies the principles of, financial project appraisal and social cost benefit analysis.
Law of the sea
Provides an introduction to the law affecting the utilisation of marine space and resources.
Coastal and marine policy
Examines the nature of coastal and marine policy and the forces instrumental in creating such a policy.
Research Methods
Study skills and preparation for dissertation or independent study.
Dissertation
Provides you with an opportunity for independent study into a related topic of your choice. You will be supported by your own supervisor.
Optional units
-Shoreline management
-Planning in the coastal zone
-Marine pollution
-Fisheries policy formulation
-Coastal zone management
Independent study route
Allows you to replace taught units by independent project work at Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma levels. You will be supported by the Research Methods unit and your own supervisor.