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MSc Marine Conservation

Type
Master (ISCED 2011 level 7)
Language

English

Entry level Bachelor
Cost Home/EU students - £9,800; International students - £14,800

The impact of human activity on our marine ecosystems has become more evident and high profile in recent years, such as from overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, coastal development, plastics and climate change. So what do we do about it – how can we preserve and recover marine habitats and species populations while also allow sustainable use and exploitation of our seas?

This new MSc programme, taught by leading experts in the field, focuses specifically on marine conservation in practice and is targeted at producing the next generation of ocean guardians with the skill set to address this question. The MSc Marine Conservation programme does not have any exams within its range of assessments.

Key features

  • The only UK MSc programme in existence to focus on marine conservation in practice, delivered in partnership with a suite of regional, national and international marine conservation practitioners. 
  • The only such programme where all students, if they wish, can directly gain experience working for their masters project embedded within these potential employers.
  • Draw on the cumulative knowledge and expertise of one of the largest concentrations of marine conservation researchers in Europe.
  • Taught modules are designed to feature dynamic and contemporary content based on both state-of-the-art marine conservation research and current experience and practice of implementing marine conservation in the 'real world'.
  • The 60 credit masters project is not specifically a typical research project resulting in a scientific paper, but allows a diversity of options depending on collaborative work with the partner (e.g. policy review, option appraisal, etc).
  • Unusually for such a programme, there will be a true integration of natural and social science underpinning and skills.  
  • Students can choose between two career destinations, policy and advocacy, through taught components, working with relevant partner(s) and option module choice. All students will cover aspects of both themes, however.
  • The programme provides opportunities for students to work on marine conservation projects in the UK and abroad. 
Structural components
Practical/Field work
Research Project

Application procedure

Applications are through the usual system for application to masters degrees within University of Plymouth, with the Programme Leader or nominated deputy acting as admissions tutor and making all decisions. 

However, as there are limited places available on the programme due to the collaboration with partners, a modified application process will be followed for this programme. 

As part of the generic PG application criteria, all applicants are generally required to present a personal statement. However, for this MSc Marine Conservation we would instead like applicants to provide a short written piece around what they see as the pressing marine conservation priorities and their motivations for undertaking the programme. This additional information is to be provided using the template and word limits. Please attach this completed proforma in the section of the online application form entitled personal statement/proposal. 

Grant opportunities

Alumnus loyalty reward for postgraduate study

The University applies a discretionary alumni reward where alumnus meet certain criteria on particular postgraduate taught courses.

  • a 20 per cent discount on home/EU tuition fees
  • or a £2,000 discount on international tuition fees.
  • a 10 per cent alumni discount is available on the following programmes: MSc Advanced Psychology, MSc Clinical Psychology, MSc/PgDip Psychology and MSc Occupational Therapy.

PGCE programmes, Master of Architecture, MChem, MEng, MGeol, MPsych, MSci, ResM, MSc Environmental Consultancy, MSc Sustainable Aquaculture, MSc Environmental Geochemistry and postgraduate research degrees are not included in this reward.

Please note that students must have applied directly to be eligible.

For further details, and contact information, please review our alumni discount policy.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

Find out about the postgraduate scholarships available to you as an international student

Prerequisites

Candidates will require an appropriate background in primarily a biological, marine and environmental sciences degree to honours level at good  2:1 or above. Applications are also considered from well-qualified graduates in other disciplines with relevant experience or interests. Please refer to institution for additional advice: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone 01752 585858

All applicants are required to present a personal statement on what their career aims within marine conservation are, plus a short written piece around marine conservation priorities in the UK (see proforma in 'How to apply' that needs completing). CV as standard.

English Language: IELTS 6.5 with scores of 5.5 in all elements.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

ISCED Categories

Project management
Policy and governance
Conservation and environmental management