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MSc Marine Systems and Policies

  • DeadlineStudy Details:

    1 year full-time, 2-3 years part-time

Course Description

Rapid climate change and the global expansion of human activities threaten the world’s oceans.

How do we realistically balance development with ocean conservation in a rapidly changing climate? And how do we do this in ways that are also equitable and fair to society?

Our MSc programme places you right at the forefront of the fast-paced interface between marine science and policy that deals with these sustainability challenges.

We designed a broad programme around policies dealing with:

  • marine nature conservation
  • environmental protection
  • marine planning

You can learn how to apply marine science and knowledge to critically evaluate and enrich these policies and influence how new policies can be created.

You will get to learn from real-world practitioners and people with lived experiences through global case studies as well as domestic and overseas field trips. These experiences will be under the guidance of a research-active team of highly supportive and motivated university scientists with decades of experience at the science-policy interface from grassroots to international levels.

The capstone of your programme is an independent marine research dissertation project. It will be designed by you and a supervisor or host on a topic of your choice. You can either conduct an internship or a placement for your dissertation, in either a desk-based, lab-based, or field-based setting.

By the end of your programme, you will be highly equipped with a portfolio of skills, including:

  • policy analysis
  • applied marine scientific and social science skills
  • science communication

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in natural sciences or social sciences, but with clear evidence of experience and interest in marine topics.

Fees

See website for fees

Student Destinations

Employers tell us that they seek candidates with real-world skills and an integrated understanding of marine ecosystems, development and planning, as well as regional and international policies.

Our MSc programme was the first of its kind in the UK and has been running for 10 years. As such, we are confident that our MSc programme provides you with the foundation needed to work in a wide range of settings, from grassroots community groups to universities and governments. You can also seek a career with the marine industry, non-government organisations (NGOs) or international agencies.

Our graduates are now working around the world at local, national and international levels, with many now working as:

  • ocean consultants
  • marine science officers
  • marine policy analysts and officers
  • sustainability consultants
  • project leaders
  • program officers
  • marine mammal observers
  • marine education and communication leaders
  • PhD students

Module Details

You must take these courses
Marine Ecosystems and Policies
Corals in a Changing Ocean
Marine Field Methods in Research and Practice
Sustainable Marine Development
Research Project in Marine Systems and Policies

University of Edinburgh Campus

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