Program Overview

Introduction to the Aquatic Environments MRes

The Aquatic Environments MRes provides an opportunity to contribute to exciting and impactful research in aquatic environmental sciences. Through interdisciplinary collaboration within geosciences, ecology, geography, and engineering, students can explore areas of aquatic science that focus on issues including environmental pollution, climate change, public health, and water quality.

Entry Criteria

• Degree and experience: A 2:1 degree in a relevant subject. Students with a degree that does not fall within this category but who have significant relevant experience will also be considered.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.
• Research proposal: A description of the area of interest, field of study, and the particular focus of the intended research project, which needs to relate to a research area of the school.

Course Content

The Aquatic Environments MRes is typically completed full-time in one year but can be taken part-time over two years. The course is structured to include a significant research component and a series of supporting taught modules.

Course Structure

• The course includes a research project module at its heart, equipping students with a fundamental understanding of the research process.
• Students will attend seminars and workshops on developing their research proposal, academic writing, and relevant research methodologies.
• The MRes research project module is worth 140 credits, and students must also complete 40 credits from taught and subject-specific modules.

Areas of Study

The course allows students to tailor their studies to areas of aquatic environmental sciences that match their specific interests. Topics are in three subject areas:

• Surface processes: Focuses on environmental pollution, geomorphology, ecology, ecotoxicology, geochemistry, and climate change within ocean, coastal, riverine, and wetland environments.
• Water and wastewater quality and treatment: Focuses on sanitation, environmental and public health, and technology for water quality remediation and treatment.
• Water services and water use: Focuses on valuing aquatic ecosystem services and developing policies for water-related communities and environments.

Syllabus

Core Modules

• Water Quality Assessment and Management: Introduces students to water quality assessment and management, teaching skills related to field and laboratory experimental design, measurement of water quality, data analysis, interpretation of results, and reporting.
• MRes Research Project: Students carry out a detailed independent investigative research project within a relevant academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.

Option Modules

• Policy and Implementation in Town Planning
• Masters Independent Study
• Communicating Issues in Ecology and Conservation
• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
• Contested Natures and Social Justice
• Key Concepts in Environmental Assessment and Management
• Hydrology and Pollutant Transport
• Sustainable Urbanism in Coastal Communities
• Sustainable Construction
• Applied Taxonomy for Conservation
• Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
• Applications in GIS
• Applied Remote Sensing
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Water Recycling Technology

Careers

The course intends to maximize both personal and professional potential, providing a foundation for careers in research, industry, the public sector, and academia. On completion, students will be equipped with practical research-based training and the necessary transferable skills to prepare them for career progression.

Fees and Costs

• UK/EU (full-time): Ł9,720
• International (full-time): Ł18,792
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans are available to students.

Location and Student Life

The course is based at the Moulsecoomb campus, which offers a range of facilities including geology, soil, and water analysis labs, public health and geochemical analysis labs, and environmental hydraulics labs. The university guarantees an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Stay in Touch

For more information about the course or to ask a question, students can contact the university.

Related Courses

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• Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Management MSc
• Water and Environmental Management MSc
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• Riverine and Estuarine Processes MRes
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• Construction Project Management MSc
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