Postgraduate taught programme

MSc

Expedition and Marine Medicine

Developed for medics and healthcare professionals with an interest in advancing their clinical and non-technical skills in the fields of expedition, marine and diving medicine.
MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine
About Details Careers, industry and research Postgraduate student life Fees and funding Apply Register for open evening

About

This innovative programme brings together leading specialists in expedition medicine and marine medicine, combining real‑world experience operating in some of the planet’s most challenging environments - from high‑altitude mountain ranges to the depths of the ocean. Developed in collaboration with renowned training partners Endeavour Medical and the Diving Diseases Research Centre, the course blends rigorous academic teaching with hands‑on practical learning. Students build confidence and capability through a mix of online study, classroom sessions, and immersive residential courses delivered locally or internationally.
Designed for busy professionals, the programme is available full time or part time and welcomes medics, Allied Health Professionals and clinical science / healthcare graduates. 

Expertise in extreme environments  

Gain training from specialists in expedition medicine and marine medicine who have operated everywhere from high‑altitude peaks to deep‑sea environments. Their experiences shape a curriculum that blends academic depth with practical, scenario‑based learning.

Immersive, flexible learning experience  

Combine online study, classroom teaching, and residential courses delivered locally or internationally with Endeavour Medical. Designed for busy professionals, the programme offers full‑time and part‑time routes, plus optional modules spanning diving medicine, global health, leadership, and clinical education.

Research with real‑world impact  

Work directly with subject specialists to design a dissertation focused on expedition or marine medicine, building the expertise needed to contribute meaningfully to healthcare in remote and austere settings.

Details

Programme overview

Alongside core modules in marine medicine, polar expedition medicine and tropical medicine, you can tailor your learning with optional modules in diving medicine or specialist topics from programmes such as Global Health, Healthcare Management, and Clinical Education. 
Teaching on the programme places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with situational, skills-based learning to build confidence and help develop effective leadership skills, when working in remote environments. 
With expert supervision, you'll develop a research dissertation focused on expedition or marine medicine, preparing you for impactful work in remote and austere settings.
Endeavour Medical image

Core modules

EMM712
Marine Medicine

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of marine medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a healthcare professional in marine environments.

EMM716
Mountain and Polar Expedition Medicine

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of expedition medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a clinical practitioner in polar and mountainous environments.

EMM717
Tropical Medicine

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of tropical medicine and of the distinct environmental, infectious disease, and public health factors associated with working as a practitioner in tropical and resource-limited settings.

CLE733DL
Research Project Dissertation

This integrated 60-credit dissertation module supports Masters students (ClinEd, HMLI, Global Health, Expedition and Marine Medicine) to develop a viable project proposal, undertake an independent project under supervision, and produce a journal-style dissertation output with oral defence. It integrates proposal development, research design and dissertation completion within a single coherent assessment pathway.

Optional modules

CLE721
Research Methods in Healthcare

This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of the research methods and statistics, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on research evidence, to practice. Students will be introduced to a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods, primary and secondary research methods, equipping them with a basic understanding of the underlying principles of quantitative and qualitative research.

CLE721DL
Research Methods in Healthcare 20 credits

This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of the research methods and statistics, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on research evidence, to practice. Students will be introduced to a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods, primary and secondary research methods, equipping them with a basic understanding of the underlying principles of quantitative and qualitative research.

100% Coursework

CLE723
Design and Development of HealthCare Education

In this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.

CLE723DL
Design and Development of HealthCare Education 20 credits

In this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.

EMM711
Human Factors in Extreme Environments

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of how human factors relating to psychological processes and environmental factors can impact both positively and negatively on the provisions of effective healthcare in expedition and marine medicine. It will analyse the role of non-technical skills systems, from a broad range of disciplines, to encourage their utilisation in professional practice to reduce human error in challenging environments.

EMM713
Fundamentals of Diving Practice

This module equips students with the foundations of knowledge and skills that underpin diving medicine. They will gain understanding of the characteristics of gases relevant to diving and the physiological principles of immersion and exposure to pressure. Students will learn how these principles translate into modern diving practice and the relevant technical, operational and legal framework of how this is practised safely, in a commercial and recreational settings.

EMM714
Fitness to Dive

This module provides the student with an understanding of the assessment of fitness to dive and the practical skills to be able to perform an assessment. The student will build on their knowledge from EMM713 relating to physics, physiology and diving techniques and apply this to common medical problems, in order to minimise risk, utilising case discussion and simulation.

EMM715
Diving Accidents

In this module student will learn about the assessment and treatment of injured divers. The student will develop an in depth understanding of illnesses seen in divers and will develop the clinical skills required to assess a diver, including history taking and examination. Using case discussions and high-fidelity simulation students will become familiar with the management of diving injuries and the operation of a hyperbaric chamber.

GH711DL
Introduction to Global Health 20 credits

This module will unpick the phrase Global Health and the key issues and philosophies within it. It will consider the scholarship of an emerging field through time and look to the future requirements for global health leadership.

100% Coursework

GH715DL
Health in Humanitarian Emergencies 20 credits

This module explores the management models of healthcare provision in response to humanitarian emergencies, resulting from both natural and human-induced crises. By evaluating the history of the humanitarian movement and factors affecting the current delivery of national and international aid programmes, this modules aims to review potential strategies for implementing sustainable healthcare programmes in LMICs.

HML713
Leadership in Healthcare: Theory and Practice 20 credits

Learners with be provided with a broad-based introduction to the field of health service leadership. Key leadership theories and trends will be explored along with how they relate to the real world. Concepts around quality, leadership to drive improvement and innovation will also be discussed. Finally, the importance of understanding and equipping ourselves in the context of leadership will be examined.

100% Coursework

HML714
Management in Healthcare: Theory and Practice

Learners will acquire an increased understanding and knowledge of theories, tools and strategies for management in healthcare environments alongside an appreciation of their role within teams and complex systems. Learners will analyse, critique and reflect on real world scenarios to develop a confident and competent management approach to achieve personal and effectiveness in practice.

APP792
Developing Expertise in Urgent & Prehospital Care

This module is designed to enable healthcare professionals to critically examine and develop in an area of professional clinical practice, in Urgent &Prehospital Care. Taught workshops will guide the student, building on their pre-existing body of knowledge to critically develop their skills in health assessment, clinical examination and clinical reasoning.

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.

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:

MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine programme specification_7779

Careers, industry and research

An adventurous future in clinical practice

Our suite of expedition and marine medicine programmes build on a long history of remote medicine teaching and provides a link between the University’s specialities of health and marine sciences. We have joined forces with world-class leaders in the fields of diving and expedition medicine training; DDRC Healthcare and Endeavour Medical to ensure our teaching is industry relevant. 
This programme can contribute to professional development for senior positions as a medical doctor or for any allied health professional. The course prepares you for clinical roles within the field of remote and expedition medicine across the globe, with organisations specialising in adventure tourism, humanitarian assistance and scientific expeditions. There is a strong leadership component which will stand you in good stead for all career pathways applicable to your chosen field. 
Getty 641164064
 
 
 
 

An outstanding level of teaching

Ashley is an NHS doctor and Peninsula Medical School student, who recently completed the Remote and Expedition Medicine module.
“The most incredible thing about this module is the level of expertise and experience of the teachers. There is an outstanding level of teaching and taking away the experiences, tips and tricks of the teachers, just having such a hands-on and vocational teaching style really helps build confidence and leadership skills that I hope to take into more remote environments.”
Ashley Metcalf
dartmoor

Flexible learning options

Our varied pathways enable you to embark on an exciting journey and lay the foundations for an adventurous future in clinical practice.
The full-time programme is completed within a year, whilst the PgCert and part-time courses provide learners with the opportunity to remain in salaried employment whilst completing their studies. Due to the practical nature of the modules, teaching is mostly carried out face-to-face, in combination with an element of online learning. 
Individual modules are also be offered as stand-alone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. 
 
 

Academic staff

Mr Matt Griggs Programme Lead MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine and Lecturer MSc Global Health


Programme Lead MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine and Lecturer MSc Global Health

Dr Lucy Obolensky Honorary Associate Professor (Global and Remote Medicine)


Honorary Associate Professor (Global and Remote Medicine)

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
 
 
 
 
Joyita - student blogs web page

The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.

Joyita
Postgraduate student

 
 
 

Your Plymouth community

At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
 

Enrich your studies with a society

Postgraduate study is about more than academic achievement. Joining a society is a great way to connect with other students, build friendships, develop new interests, and create a healthy balance alongside your studies.
Whether you're looking to meet people with similar interests, try something new, expand your professional network, or simply take a break from academic commitments, there's a society for everyone.
 
Two students having a drink together on Plymouth's Barbican

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£13,850 - £15,360* per year
*For Home fee-paying students, the exact fee will depend on which modules are taken. EMM711, EMM712 and EMM717 carry a higher fee (£2,230) because they include a mandatory residential delivered by our partner Endeavour Medical, the cost of which is incorporated into the module fee. The remaining EMM modules carry a mid-range fee (£1,590), while modules shared with other Medical School PGT programmes (such as CLE721 and HML714) carry a lower fee (£1,390). You can calculate your applicable fee by checking the individual module pages for the modules you intend to take.
Part-time study

£4,770 – Stage 1, £3,900 - £5,410 – Stage 2, £3,900 – Stage 3**

**2026/27 20 credit module fees are set as:
£2,230 – for EMM711, EMM712 and EMM717
£1,590 – for EMM713, EMM714, EMM715 and EMM716
£1,300 – for modules beginning with a non-EMM prefix (for example CLE731DL or HML714)
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£21,000 per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying. 
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate student at Plymouth, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate master's loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds, that can help towards costs.
 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
 

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.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

This programme is applicable to healthcare professional graduates and clinicians who wish to advance their career in the fields of expedition and marine medicine.
Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of a lower second (2:2) class honours degree in a relevant health care professional subject (e.g.: BMBS, Nursing, Allied Health Professionals degree).
Clinicians who achieved a lower grade from their first degree or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible to apply. Please contact the admissions or programme team for further information.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

After you 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 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.
Programme code
7779
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 

International students

If you are an international applicant interested in information and future support you can register your interest in studying with us in 2026. 
 
 
 

Search entry requirements for your country

5
B
See all courses

Extended entry requirements

  • a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element). English language requirements 
  • 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
  • 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.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or through an agent in your country.
 

Apply online

Need support with your application?

  • Personal statement guidance
  • Student visa support
  • Travel and arrival information
  • and more
 

After you 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.
Programme code
7779
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
 
 
 

Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening

Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
 
Book your place
Student in art classroom in Roland Levinsky Building