MRes Applied Marine Science

• Join a long established (1991), well-respected programme with an excellent record for employment in the marine sciences sector.

• Develop confidence and competence in the theoretical and practical dimensions of marine science, deepening your scientific knowledge of the coastal environment and the pressures placed on it.

• Gain the skills and knowledge required to work as a marine scientist through a vocationally relevant programme, while also benefitting from our strong research-based teaching, supported by our marine research groups.

• Become experienced in coastal zone management using a range of practical techniques and approaches to problem solving.

• Connect with local marine organisations including the Universities' Marine Institute, Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the National Marine Aquarium.

• Make the most of our links to commercial consultancy companies, local councils and environmental organisations that can provide project ideas and supervision on your dissertation.

• Access an extensive range of field/laboratory equipment, including the COAST laboratories, our research vessel RV Falcon Spirit and a new waterfront Marine Station.

• Build the skills required to assimilate knowledge over a wide range of disciplines and apply them to environmental analysis.
  
  
• Benefit from the option of studying this programme part time.

• Programme overview

• Our programme includes taught modules, research training, laboratory work, coursework, exams, a research project and dissertation. There are visits to local bays and estuaries and a field week working with complex instrumentation in the lab and at sea. Period one concentrates on research training and a multi-disciplinary overview of the marine sciences. Periods two and three are spent on your research project and dissertation. You can carry out your research project and dissertation with external bodies (e.g. PML, Fugro-GEOS, Astra-Zeneca) in the UK and abroad. Topics include projects in both pure and applied research. Due to the extended nature of the MRes research project, you take an additional module on project planning at the start of your dissertation period that provides underpinning and support for the development of your research project. You are also required to successfully defend your completed dissertation by viva voce with an external examiner.

  
  

  Further programme information.

  Core modules

  • Research Skills and Methods (MAR513)

    This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.

  • Marine Science (MAR514)

    This module provides an introductory overview of basic oceanography including physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the subject. There is particular emphasis on methods of quantifying and predicting coastal conditions, as well as interplay between physical, chemical and biological aspects of ocean science.

  • Management of Coastal Environments (MAR515)

    This module introduces students to the process, method and framework used to manage change in coastal and marine environments. It will focus on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and will emphasise the importance of collectively considering physical, ecological and socio-economic factors and processes involved in coastal management. Case Studies will be used to illustrate the range of the management processes available.

  • MRes Dissertation (MAR525)

    The student will complete a research project that they have designed in the semester 1 research skills module. The project can be submitted in the format of a journal paper or dissertation. The write-up will communicate the project aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis and conclusions. The student will defend his/her work in a viva voce with the Subject External Examiner.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MRes Applied Marine Science Programme Specification September 2016 1907

You should have:

• A good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent preferably in a science or engineering subject. If you don’t have any recent formal qualifications, we may accept work place experience.

• If you have overseas qualifications you can check how they compare with the UK equivalent through Ecctis, who provide an advisory service. 

English language:

• If English is not your first language then we’ll need evidence of your proficiency in English. The minimum IELTS score usually accepted is 6.5. Our International Office has more information.

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. 

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website. 

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.