About this course
Explore the relationship between marine resources and society, with a particular focus on sustainability. You’ll study both in the UK and Hong Kong as you take a holistic approach to the study of the Earth's marine systems and processes.
The marine environment is the largest ecosystem on our planet. It provides essential ecological services to all living things and a large variety of goods to society. As the resources on land deplete, the proper management of marine resources becomes increasingly important to our long-term sustainability.
This double award master's degree will give you the opportunity to:
- get hands-on training on board our research vessels as you explore the processes operating on marine ecosystems
- build a highly competitive, cross-national skillset as you study in the UK and Hong Kong
- learn to make scientific, evidence-based recommendations to the public, businesses, and governmental stakeholders
Studying at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), you’ll benefit from the expertise of both, as well as access to a wide range of bespoke facilities and international connections.
Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared for a career within private entities, NGOs, and governmental agencies, or for further studies. Find out more about your career options.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your programme lead is Dr Charlie Thompson, a Coastal Scientist, Lecturer, and Director of the Channel Coastal Observatory.
Charlie has research interests in coastal monitoring and sediment dynamics.
Find out more about her research, publications and supervision.
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You must hold a Bachelor's degree in the following, with honors not lower than the second class or with an overall GPA not less than 70%:
- Ocean Science
- Marine Science
- Life Science
- Environmental Science
- Earth Science
English is the medium of instruction at The University of Southampton (UoS) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s degree studied over 12 months. In semester 1 you’ll work with us at NOCS in the UK. In semester 2, you’ll work with HKUST in Hong Kong. You’ll begin your individual research project in semester 2 and finish it off during the summer in semester 3.
Semester 1 overview
You’ll take part in a dedicated masters ‘Boatweek’ event, where you’ll get hands on training in marine science and geology sampling, measurement and observation techniques on board the School of Ocean and Earth Science (SOES) research vessels.
Additional practical work in the SOES research and teaching laboratories will help to familiarise you with concepts introduced in the modules.
Beyond the core introductory modules, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of optional modules that explore topics anywhere from deep sea ecology, to shelf seas and shelf edge dynamics.
Semester 2 overview
You’ll undertake a range of field visits designed to provide real-world examples of the material taught in the modules. These include visits to:
- the Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre
- Mai Po Nature Reserve
- Fish Marketing Organisation
- the Hong Kong Maritime Museum
- the Tung Lung Chau mariculture demonstration farm
- the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
The Ocean Research Facility provides direct access to high quality seawater, and a large-scale aquarium to support a diverse range of research activities. There are also opportunities for voluntary reef survey work over the summer semester.
You’ll also begin your individual research project, which will be co-supervised by teaching staff from Hong Kong and Southampton. This will culminate in a project seminar and dissertation. The topic of your research project will vary depending on your interests. Previous project titles have included:
- Microplastics impacts on benthic systems
- Fisheries management using isotropic tracing
- Coastal ecosystem restoration potential around Hong Kong
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Global Marine Resources Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 2
This module has been created to represent the following compulsory Research Dissertation modules taken by MSc Global Marine Resources Management students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: OCES6112 Research Project in Global Marine ...
Global Marine Resources Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 1
This module has been created to represent the modules taken by MSc Global Marine Resources Management students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology during Part I, Semester 2. It is anticipated this will comprise the following compulso...
Introduction to Biological Oceanography
Introduction to general aspects of biological oceanography from phytoplankton to fish. The module is designed for students with no previous experience of studying biological systems. The module follows the flow of energy from light, via primary producer...
Introduction to Chemical Oceanography
The module is designed for graduates in any science discipline embarking on postgraduate studies in Ocean and Earth Science.
Introduction to Marine Geology
This course will cover the formation of ocean basins; the role of mid-ocean ridges in basin scale processes; structure and geological processes at continental margins; sedimentary processes within and on the boundaries of ocean basins; and the past histor...
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
The module provides an introduction to the physics of the ocean including aspects of both descriptive and dynamical physical oceanography. The focus is on the understanding of physical processes which control the movement of water, heat, salt and other pr...
MSc Key Skills for Global Marine Resources Management Students
This module provides essential key skills training to MSc Global Marine Resource Management students within Ocean and Earth Science. This Module will provide a key introduction to the study of ocean and Earth science at the University of Southampton and...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Advanced Exploration Geophysics
The module covers, at advanced level, three topics that are central to applied geophysics in the marine environment.
Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
This module looks at the operation of the Ocean as a biogeochemical entity within the larger Earth System. There is a strong focus on how the Earth System will respond to anthropogenic impacts and global change.
Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists
The module will present a variety of different types of oceanographic, meteorological, geophysical, and remote sensing data and will explore methods for processing, analysing and modelling using Python. This module introduces you to the essential skill...
Deep Sea Ecology
This module examines the patterns of life in deep-sea environments & the processes that govern those patterns.
Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through a variety of:
- lectures
- seminars
- laboratory work
- boatwork
- field exercises
- group exercises
- activities with external organisations
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
- written examinations
- oral presentations
- essays
- poster presentations
- laboratory experiment write ups
- fieldwork/boatwork reports
Dissertation
All students carry out a major individual research project, finishing with a project seminar and dissertation that is assessed by both your supervisor and independent second marker. Your individual research project topics will vary depending on your interests.
Academic Support
You'll have access to:
- a core team of academic staff that will provide personalised pastoral and academic guidance
- equipment to support your field work, including laptop computers, GPS, specialised shipboard data, and more
- training on our research launch, the RV Callista, which is fully equipped for boatwork practicals and project work
The program office at HKUST will provide:
- orientation events and induction programs
- first meetings for students to get acquainted with their Personal Academic Advisors
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Creativity
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Higher education,
Research institutes,
Laboratories,
Charities,
Government Organisations,
Think Tanks,
Ocean Survey companies,
Renewable energy organisations,
Port and harbour authorities,
DEFRA,
The Environment Agency,
Higher education,
Marine monitoring organisations,
Local authorities.
- Natural resource officer
- National park service ranger
- Marine researcher
- Science policy advisor
- Coastal engineer
- Coastal technician
- University lecturer
- Meteorology technician
- Change analyst
- Project manager
- Environmental planner
- Researcher
- Science teacher
- Programme officer
- Decision science analyst
- Sustainability executive
- Environmental consultant
- Field studies tutor
- Hydrographic surveyor
- Marine biologist and aquarist
- Marine laboratory scientist
- Wildlife guide
- Environmental manager
Job prospects for MSc Global Marine Resource Management graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) | University of Southampton (UoS) | |
| Deposit | HK$25,000 | |
| Fall semester | £9,573 (Non-UK students) £3,084 (UK students) | |
| Spring semester | HK$45,000 | |
| Summer semester | HK$40,000 |
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Extra costs you might have to pay
The program fee does not cover any personal expenses, including, but not limited to, the cost of travel to Southampton and Hong Kong as well as the cost of living in both places, and the cost of necessary visas.
We do, however, offer some accommodation options for taught postgraduate students.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology does not provide on-campus accommodation to students of taught postgraduate programs. For assistance in finding off-campus accommodation, please contact Off-campus Housing Section (OCHS) by email or visit Off-Campus Housing.
You can also visit the forum managed by Mainland Students and Scholars Society (MSSS), a student organization at HKUST for more information.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is handling applications.
To apply, submit your application through the HKUST admissions system, together with the required documents.
Application deadlines
Online application for the 2025-26 intake opens in September 2024, and closes in June 2025.
We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for your student visa applications, personal preparation, and your arrival at England and Hong Kong.
Supporting information
You may be required to submit supporting information for your application.
Find out more about the kinds of documents that you'll likely have to submit.
What happens after you apply
The application process is managed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
All applications are processed through the HKUST admissions system.
Find out more about the application process.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
