MSc Marine Ecosystem Management

A first or 2.1 (Honours) undergraduate degree in a relevant natural science. Other scientific, engineering or mathematics degrees may be acceptable.

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The aim is that graduates of this course will be part of the next generation of managers and marine scientists delivering integrated ecosystem management around the world.

Graduates of the course have undertaken careers in government agencies, environmental consultancies and the commercial marine sector, both within the UK and abroad.

During Semester 1, students follow a coherent course of modules that provides sound training in essential skills for managing marine ecosystems. The first semester includes two compulsory modules.

• Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: provides core biological and methodological classes covering environmental drivers, marine biodiversity and ecosystem function, their importance and evaluation; module involves local boat-based data collection and analysis, including an introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management. 
• Mathematical and statistical modelling for Biologists: applies mathematical ideas to questions in biology and introduces methods for fitting models to biological data mainly using R software. 

Semester 2 combines two compulsory module with a choice of two optional modules. 

The following modules are compulsory: 

• Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems: introduces the concept of 'ecosystem-based management', exploring its development from more simplistic, single-species approaches. 
• Marine Conservation Case Study: explores in detail the ecological and socio-economical issues and approaches to managing stakeholder interests in a local marine ecosystem (with field day trips).  

Students choose two optional modules. Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered. 

• Current Issues in Biologging: presents an introduction to the theory and practice of logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags. 
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.  
  Fisheries Research: provides an introduction to the utilisation of fish stocks in a sustainable way. 
• Population Biology: covers the essentials of population dynamics and population modelling including population genetics, trophic interactions and spatial dynamics.
• Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica: theoretical and practical field course including a vessel-based trip to Antarctica (requires payment of an expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow). 
• Scientific Diving: field course at a tropical diving location (requires suitable diving qualifications and payment of expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow).

Research Project

Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a written dissertation and the presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Projects may involve some fieldwork but will be primarily focused on the analysis of existing data. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their own project plan. 

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.