School of Biological and Marine Sciences

MRes Applied Marine Science

Coastal erosion. Threatened resources. Pollution. With increasing awareness of the importance of the world's oceans as a natural resource and of their role in the stability of the global climate and environment, marine science specialists are in high demand. Our vocational programme, involving local marine partners and companies, provides you with the scientific knowledge, skills and practical experience that you need for an exciting career in marine science.

Key features
  • Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023. 
  • 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.
Course details

  • 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 2023 1907

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Entry requirements
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.
English language requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £10,500 £11,000
International £18,000 £19,800
Part time (Home) £580 £610
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • £2,000 discount on tuition fees for international students

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply
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
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • 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.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.
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.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information 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 weeksof 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 in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
Research near Porthleven in Cornwall.

Graduate profile - Hugh O’Sullivan

"From the moment I entered my masters it was intense: learning new material and working hard to meet deadlines was tough. However, my confidence has increased and I now possess certain skills my colleagues do not."
Hugh O'Sullivan

Marine Station 

Our students have access to the Marine Station, a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that serves all our marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology. 
Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of our ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment, a wet lab for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, field equipment storage and changing facilities. It is also the base for our research vessels and a centre of excellence for diving. 
 
Marine Station

Meet our staff

Led by Dr Vasyl Vlasenko, a reader in coastal processes, our applied marine science masters is supported by lecturers from marine science and engineering, geography, biology, environmental science and maths, as well as professionals working in the marine sciences in the South West – giving you a completely rounded programme of study. Many other staff are also involved with the supervision of projects, but core teaching staff on the programme include:

People

  • Associate Professor in Shelf Seas Numerical Modelling
    Programme Leader and Modelling Marine Processes
  • Associate Professor in Coastal Processes
    Lecturer on Coastal Erosion and Protection
  • Professor of Coastal Geomorphology
    Integrated Coastal Zone Management
  • Associate Professor in Ecological Economics
    Economics of the Marine Environment
  • Associate Professor in Coastal and Shelf Physical Oceanography
    Geology, Geophysics and Physical Oceanography of Shelves and Coasts
  • Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
    Marine Biology and Ecology
  • Associate Professor in Marine Management
    Marine Science and Regulations