MSc Marine Conservation

• Programme overview

• The programme starts in the first semester with background information on research methodology and the science behind marine conservation, while also focusing on marine conservation in practice through a module that spans 2 semesters. This will involve day workshops, often with external conservation organisations, to gain experience of the hurdles, issues and barriers faced in the 'real world' and solutions to marine conservation issues that our external partners are developing. We will also be exploring key methodologies from assessing the health of sea floor ecosystems to how marine conservation charities are run and you get the opportunity in teams to develop and present issues and solutions for a topic of your choice. In semester 2 we will also look more closely at how we manage marine ecosystems, and you have a choice of modules either focusing on environmental economics or conservation of small populations. The final semester is spent with an external partner undertaking your marine conservation project, which you have developed with the partner over the previous two semesters.

  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.

  • Managing Marine Ecosystems (MAR530)

    The module will provide students with an understanding of marine ecosystems and their vulnerability to anthropogenic threats. Anticipatory and responsive management measures will be discussed, including relevant marine conservation agreements, legislation and policy.

  • Marine Conservation Practice (MAR532)

    This module focuses on how organisations undertake marine conservation in practice, the hurdles to this and how they are overcome, It allows direct interaction between practitioners and students through all-day workshops and field visits.

  • Marine Conservation Project (MAR533)

    The student will complete a research project typically in collaboration with, and hosted by, an external course partner. The project can be submitted in the format of a consultancy report, journal article, technical paper or dissertation, The write-up will communicate the project aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis and conclusions.

  • Marine Conservation Theory (MBIO505)

    This module provides the science and social science theory underpinning marine conservation practice. The module will be delivered using a series of "podules" covering several key "hot topics" that enables the theoretical background to be explored along with fast-moving conservation priorities and evidence.

  Optional modules

  • Small Population Conservation (ANIM5007)

    The principles and problems of managing small populations of animals are explored both in situ and ex situ. The methods by which species can be conserved are explored and critiqued. In particular this module addresses obstacles and considerations for captive wild animal population management for conservation using a range of perspectives including reproductive, genetic, behavioural and practical considerations.

  • Economics of the Marine Environment (MAR507)

    This module will provide students with a clear overview of the problems associated with economic activity in marine environment and the potential solutions to these problems.

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 Marine Conservation programme specification _6469