Marine Environment and Resources (MSc)

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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

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

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.

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.

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 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £4,690.
• EU and international students pay £11,596.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

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.

You can apply directly through the MER Consortium application form using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

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.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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 certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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.

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 will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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