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Postgraduate
Courses / Postgraduate / Marine Environment and Resources (MSc)

Marine Environment and Resources (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Duration
2 years
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton)
Next course starts
September 2023

About this course

This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.  

Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.  

Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.

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

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 Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Changes due to COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

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