ObjectivesThe programme comprises two semesters of formal instruction, followed by a three-month period for a research component and the preparation of a dissertation on a selected coastal topic. The research projects will be undertaken in collaboration with and frequently based at a company actively working in the coastal engineering or related industry (e.g. Halcrows, W.S. Atkin, Lewin Fryer & Partners, Canterbury District Council, New Forest District Council, EMU Environmental Ltd, ABPmer). The instructional component consists primarily of lectures with supporting tutorials and practical classes. One unit consists entirely of speakers from industry to ensure that strong links between academia and industry are maintained. Visits are also arranged to companies, organisations or meetings which are of interest. The programme has a modular structure. Modules are assessed by coursework and/or examinations. Every module has a unique identifier code and title. The effort a module requires is measured in units. A one-unit module typically involves 120 hours of effort. Of this 120 hours, there will normally be 24 lectures (each of 45 minutes), and some modules include laboratory sessions, tutorials, guest lectures etc. This estimate of 120 hours work is indicative only and depends very much on your own productivity level. You are required to study nine units on the taught component of the programme. Students registered for the MSc who meet the appropriate pass criteria for the instructional component of the programme progress to the research component and the production of a dissertation. Students registered for the Diploma and meeting the appropriate pass criteria for the Diploma, or those registered on the MSc but meeting only the pass criteria for the Diploma level, do not proceed to the research component.
Entry requirementsGraduates with an appropriate first degree in: -Civil Engineering -Oceanography -Geography -Geology -Environmental/Physical Sciences will be considered (minimum entry requirement 2:1). Candidates without an appropriate academic background will be considered if they can demonstrate experience in an appropriate field of work. All applicants, including those from non-academic backgrounds, must provide evidence of a high degree of numeracy. An assessment of general ability to undertake the degree programme is required and, if appropriate, candidates will be invited for interview. Candidates applying from abroad must satisfy the English Language requirements. Following University convention, an extended two-year course is available for overseas students.
Academic titleMSc Engineering in the Coastal Environment
Course descriptionCourse Structure
It is envisaged that students will fall into one of three main categories: Engineers, Oceanographers or Environmental Scientists, and in order to cater for the differing intakes there will be some compulsory units designed to provide the background material in engineering and oceanography.
Introductory Modules
-Understanding Civil Engineering: Basic Mechanics and Soils and Fluid (For Non Engineers)
-Introduction to Marine Geology: Marine Geology and Survey Techniques (For Engineers only)Core Modules
-Coastal Sediment Dynamics
-Maritime and Coastal Engineering
-Environmental Audit and Risk Assessment
-Coastal Morphodynamics
-Coastal Flood Defence
-Geographic Information Systems
-Applied Coastal Sediment Dynamics
-Coastal Environment Key Skills
-Research Project
-If you are registered for the MSc and successfully meet the pass criteria of the instructional components you will progress to the research component of the course. In this component you will conduct an original investigation, and write this up in the form of a dissertation. The research component of the Course is conducted over the summer, i.e. July to September (inclusive). A member of academic staff will be nominated as your supervisor.
Research Projects may be concerned with any of the modules on the course. They may involve a review of published works, experimental/ laboratory studies, theoretical studies or a combination of these.
Several external organisations have collaborated with the course so that many students can undertake their research project at other organisations. Projects may be undertaken anywhere in the world but most students elect for projects on applied, coastal issues which often lead to local employment.
You will be allocated a research topic during the second semester. You should then spend some time carrying out an initial literature survey and clarifying your research area.
Disclaimer: These web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate. Consequently, whilst major changes are not anticipated, details of courses may vary with staff changes, timetable amendments, etc.