About this course
On this unique 2-year Marine Environment and Resources MSc, you’ll study at the University of Southampton and partner universities in France, Spain and Belgium. You’ll develop the in-depth knowledge and skills to assess and manage the marine environment, putting you in a great position for a successful career in the marine sector.
On this master’s course you’ll split your time between the University of Southampton and our partner universities in the Marine Environment and Resources (MER) Consortium:
- Universidad del Pais Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Spain
- Université de Bordeaux 1, France
- University of Liège, Belgium
You’ll develop your ability to think through complex issues, analyse the marine environment and its resources, and ensure that marine development is sustainable.
Through compulsory modules you’ll gain a thorough knowledge of biological, physical and chemical oceanography, as well as marine geology.
A wide range of optional modules will allow you to develop your own specialism. Typical subjects include:
- integrated coastal zone management
- the assessment of marine ecosystem health
- protection and recovery of marine and estuary environments
- competitive and responsible fisheries management
You could also choose to learn about topics such as deep sea ecology, large-scale ocean processes, and satellite oceanography.
The course is taught in English, but you’ll be able to study local languages for free during your time with our partner universities.
The course was created in response to the EU’s European Marine Strategy and Water Framework Directive, designed to better protect the European marine environment and the resources upon which marine-related economic and social activities depend.
Fees for this course are paid through the MER Consortium. Find out about fees and how to pay them on the MER Consortium website.
Course lead
Your course leader at the University of Southampton is Duncan Purdie, Professor of Biological Oceanography within Ocean and Earth Science. His researches focus on Marine Phytoplankton Ecology and Biogeochemistry. Read Professor Purdie’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:
- chemistry
- biology
- physics
- earth and environmental sciences
- engineering
- oceanography
- maths
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
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 course that lasts for 2 years. You’ll spend equal amounts at the University of Southampton and our 3 partner universities.
Semester 1 is at either the University of Southampton or the University of Bordeaux 1.
Semester 2 is at the University del Pais Vasco.
If you were at the University of Bordeaux 1 in semester 1, semester 3 will be at either the University of Southampton or the University of Liege.
If you were at the University of Southampton for semester 1, Semester 3 will be at the University of Liege.
You'll learn in English.
Semesters 1 to 3 are made up of modules that everyone on the course studies, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
In Semester 4 you’ll work independently on your research project.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Download the programme specification in the 'about this course' section for module details.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 0 modules
During this year of the course there are no modules to study.
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures, tutorials and seminars
- presentations
- laboratory work
- field visits
- boat work
- group work
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- computer and laboratory exercises
- a research project
- essays and reports
- presentations
- written exams
Dissertation
In your final semester you’ll carry out a piece of independent research on a topic of your choice, in agreement with your supervisor. You’ll submit your findings in a 50-page dissertation.
The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge in a particular area.
You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
Employers in the public and private sectors need good graduates as managers, planners, policy-makers, researchers and advisers who can make a difference in marine environmental resource management.
After successfully graduating from this course, you’ll be well-placed for leadership roles in marine sectors such as:
- conservation and environmental management
- fisheries
- non-governmental organisations
- local, national or international government
You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £4,320.
- EU and international students pay £9,130.
What your fees pay for
For information about fees and how to pay them, see the MER Consortium website.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through the MER Consortium application form using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
You must submit your application by the end of the day on 15 June 2020. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We'll invite shortlisted candidates to a selection day, which includes an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection day. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
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