ObjectivesThe programme provides a broad background to the science and management of estuaries and coastal/marine areas. By the end of the programme you will have built on the specialisations of your first degree to broaden knowledge of estuarine and marine environments; have carried out desk-, laboratory- or field-based research projects to develop skills in your area of interest; have been introduced to practitioners from Government agencies, other statutory bodies and industry to provide an insight into relevant environmental management working practices: and have been prepared for employment within regulatory bodies, the water industry, environmental consultancies and applied research.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements:Candidates are selected on the basis of qualifications and experience and are normally expected to hold at least a second class honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university or college. Candidates with other qualifications and significant relevant experience, or an appropriate professional qualification will be considered and may be accepted on an individual basis. An English Language score of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 is required of international students whose first language is not English.
Academic titleMSc Estuarine and Coastal Science and Management
Course descriptionCOURSE CONTENT
The programme’s taught components are delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, field visits, case studies, practical sessions and course assignments taken over two 15-week semesters between September and May. Completion of the taught element leads to a postgraduate diploma qualification and progression to the MSc stage. The research project is selected from a list proposed by the academic staff of the Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (IECS). You are encouraged to undertake your projects in collaboration with an external body (such as a regulatory agency or industry). Completion of the project report leads to the MSc degree award.
Topics covered in the taught components include:
-Physical aspects
-Analytical and environmental chemistry
-Biological aspects
-Hydrodynamic modelling
-Socioeconomic aspects
-Legal aspects
-Fisheries and bioresource utilisation
-Coastal change and protection
-Pollution and other harmful anthropogenic activities
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is by written examinations at the end of each semester, coursework and submission of a research project report for the MSc stage by 30 September. Final assessment for the MSc is based on a combination of the programme’s taught and research elements.
SPECIAL FEATURES
IECS is a multi-disciplinary research and consultancy organisation set up to utilise the University’s facilities and expertise in coastal science and management. It covers a range of specialisms within the coastal environment, ranging from biological and physical environments (topography, vegetation, ornithology, benthic and pelagic fauna) to coastal planning, environmental quality, marine law and environmental impact assessment. The institute works closely with regulatory bodies and industry.
The institute is a member of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme.