Applied Coastal and Marine Management MSc

Program Overview

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Applied Coastal & Marine Management

Course Fact File

• Code: MSCCMM
• Duration: 1 Year Full-time
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: MSc
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
• Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
• Credits: 90
• Start Date: 8 September 2025

Course Outline

Applied Coastal & Marine Management focuses on the science (including the social sciences) of Coastal and Marine management and policy-making today. Designed and presented in close collaboration with the state-of-the-art Beaufort Institute and the University’s Coastal and Marine Research Centre, the programme is designed to give our students professional competency to make sound, scientifically-informed, strategic, and operational decisions regarding sustainable governance, use and protection of coastal and marine environments.

In addition, our Applied Coastal & Marine Management programme also provides training in applied practical skills, with an emphasis on geospatial techniques relevant to coastal and marine data capture, analysis, integration, and visualisation. On this programme you will also receive training in important transferrable skills including principles and practice of scientific research, effective communication and presentation techniques, and sound project management

The MSc Applied Coastal & Marine Management degree offers a combination of theory, practice and technical skills relevant to the needs of environmentally sustainable coastal and marine governance.

Topics include different models of governance, marine spatial planning, and the basics of coastal and marine law; the physical functioning and key processes controlling coastal and marine environments; the biological components of coastal margins and the ecosystems they are part of, at varying spatial and temporal scales, and especially the interactions and exchanges between these; and the approaches available in coastal management and physical protection techniques. In addition, training will be provided in the application of core technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing and Earth observation, and hydrographic survey and mapping from ship-borne platforms.

A unique feature of the programme is that our students spend time at sea, onboard the Irish research vessel Celtic Voyager (or equivalent), at no additional cost, so that they may experience marine surveying and other techniques in a working research environment.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will have a clear understanding of the theory, principles and concepts that underpin the management of coastal and marine spaces; will have practical skills to equip them for making policy, and for taking management-level decisions, regarding the strategic and operational use of coastal and marine spaces; will know how to work with coastal and marine data originating in a range of scientific disciplines (physics, biology, geology, oceanography, etc.); and will have a good scientific understanding of the physical, environmental and human processes that affect, and are impacted by, the world’s oceans. The frame of reference will range from the global to the local, but with particular emphasis on the sustainable development and management of Ireland’s coastal and marine territories and resources

The programme consists of two parts:

• Part I will consist of eight taught modules to the value of 60 credits involving lectures, practicals, seminars, and workshops.
• Part II will be a substantial piece of independent research to the value of 30 credits (GG6514). Independent research projects can be carried out on the main university campus, through the Programme and other linked University Staff; or, with support from relevant Research Staff, within the commercially-focussed environment of the Beaufort laboratory in Ringaskiddy. Other commercial and practitioner placements with relevant coastal and marine-focussed industries, semi-state bodies and government will be considered, as appropriate to project proposals submitted by students.

Modules

Part I (60 credits)

• GG6501 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
• GG6502 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits)
• GG6516 Coastal and Marine Processes (5 credits)
• GG6532 Coastal and Marine Resource Use Practices (10 credits)
• GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS (5 credits)
• GG6538 Natural and Anthropogenic Coastal Hazards (10 credits)
• GG6539 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance (5 credits)
• GG6540 Applied Seafloor Mapping (10 credits)
• NE6010 Offshore Wind Energy (5 credits)

Part II(30 credits)

• GG6514 Research Dissertation in Applied Coastal and Marine Management (30 Credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

The programme presents a full-time day course of study (Monday to Friday), with delivery through an integrated combination of methods including lectures, seminars and workshops; ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ laboratory work; computer-based exercises; private study; field work (onshore and also at sea); and an independent supervised research project.

As part of the development of their thesis, students will be offered placements in the state-of-the-art Beaufort laboratory with direct access to academic and research staff. This should assist students in producing robust research as well as an appreciation of working in an active research environment.

Assessment will be through a combination of coursework (including laboratory, computer and field-based work), written exams and submission of an independently-conducted research dissertation. The proportion of marks assigned to each of these components will vary between modules

Teaching Staff

Teaching on the course will be overseen by academic staff from the departments of Geography, Civil Engineering and Biology, with support and specialist inputs from researchers at the university’s state-of-the-art Beaufort Laboratory. Visiting academics, and practicing coastal or marine scientists and managers from the private and public sectors, will be invited to give one-off seminars according to their availability.

Geography

• Dr Kieran Hickey
• Dr Aaron Lim
• Dr Fiona Cawkwell
• Dr Paul Holloway

Engineering

• Dr Jimmy Murphy
• Dr Paul Leahy

Industry & Government

• Dr Jared Peters – Head of Geo Division at Green Rebel
• Tom Murphy, CEng, PMP, MSc, BE – Major Infrastructure Project Management
• Dr Debbi Pedreschi – Fisheries Scientist
• Mirella Verhage, Deputy Country Manager, Offshore Wind Consultants
• Industry Advisory Board Member

Why Choose This Course

Previous

Throughout the program, I have gained knowledge in various areas of the marine field while also building valuable connections and experiencing hands-on learning opportunities

Adriana Alcalde Bolanos

Applied Coastal and Marine Management, MSc

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After completing my undergraduate studies, I was unsure about my next steps or whether I wanted to pursue a master's degree. However, I knew that I wanted to leave Spain to improve my English and gain experience in an international environment. This led me to explore opportunities in English-speaking countries in Europe, always within the marine sector, as I knew it was an area where I wanted to grow professionally.

The MSc in Applied Coastal & Marine Management at UCC caught my attention due to its practical and multidisciplinary approach. Throughout the program, I have gained knowledge in various areas of the marine field while also building valuable connections and experiencing hands-on learning opportunities, such as our time aboard the Tom Crean Vessel.

I am now in the final stage of the master's program, preparing for my thesis. I am particularly interested in the social aspects of marine conservation and the role of education in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. In the future, I hope to develop my career in a field that combines these interests and allows me to contribute to the sustainable management of the marine environment.

One of the things I like the most about the programme is how teachers make great efforts to keep the studied contents updated and relevant to the present moment

Xiana Froxan

Applied Coastal and Marine Management, MSc

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When I finished my Marine Sciences BSc in Spain, I felt like I had theoretical knowledge but I didn’t know how to apply it. That is one of the reasons I chose to study Applied Coastal and Marine Management at UCC. One of the things I like the most about the programme is how teachers make great efforts to keep the studied contents updated and relevant to the present moment.

I personally have found Offshore Wind development really interesting, and I have been shown how important it is (and is going to be) in the near future at a national, European and global scale. That is why I chose Floating Offshore Windfarms as the focus of my research dissertation. I’ve had the opportunity to see turbine-prototype testing at the MAREi Research Centre, and experience a training campaign for offshore wind development data collection onboard the Tom Crean.

The MSc provided the perfect blend of academic, practice, and technical skills required to progress with a career in sustainable development which is more important now than ever...

Zoë O'Hanlon, Graduate

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“Since I was younger, I've been driven by a sense of purpose and passion for coastal and marine environments. While I was completing a marine-based undergraduate thesis, my professional curiosity was piqued, and the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management was an exciting and obvious next step for me. The MSc provided the perfect blend of academic, practice, and technical skills required to progress with a career in sustainable development which is more important now than ever.

I enjoyed carrying out a significant piece of independent research that allowed me to travel to Scotland to investigate marine policy landscapes for offshore wind energy development, cumulating in an academic article for a leading journal of ocean policy studies.

Shortly after completing the MSc, I became a researcher on The Coastal Atlas of Ireland publication which allowed me to engage with hundreds of authors across Ireland and further afield.

I've always had a keen passion for sustainable development. I furthered my career with Simply Blue Group as a Project Management Officer working on the Emerald and Western Star Floating Offshore Wind Projects, which is hugely rewarding.”

My undergraduate degree was in Arts, with an even split between economics and philosophy. I decided to check out the MSc course in UCC and my interest was immediately piqued.

Eoin Downey, Graduate

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My undergraduate degree was in Arts, with an even split between economics and philosophy. I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted my career to go. After graduation, I worked full time for a year. During this time, I decided to fill out a career guidance form online and one of the highest results matched me with a field in Coastal and Marine Management. I decided to check out the MSc course in UCC and my interest was immediately piqued. I wanted to work towards a field that would benefit people and the environment we live in, and this stood out to be a great fit. I organised a meeting with the Head of Department, and that solidified my decision to apply for the course.

"I was worried my background in the subject was limited. This worry was quickly squashed as the lecturers were very accommodating and went through the material in an easy to understand manner. The modules went through a variety of subjects: from coastal and marine governance and processes, to remote sensing and offshore wind energy as well as interacting with GIS and seabed mapping software.

This course has something for anyone who is interested in furthering their career and knowledge in the coastal and marine field. I am completing my thesis on the use of different seafloor mapping data such as; magnetometry, sub-bottom profiling, multibeam echosounder (MBES), as well as the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This is all in order to identify potential locations of a plane wreckage that crashed into the sea off the coast of Wexford 50 years ago.

One of the major highlights for me was when we were given the opportunity to spend time at sea on the RV Tom Crean. We were able to take the knowledge and skills we gained from the course and apply it in a practical sense. It was a good way of giving us an idea if we would like to work offshore in the future. Having that opportunity to gain practical experience in the field was hugely beneficial. Currently my career goal is to work in data collection and processing, potentially with offshore aspects."

Next

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• The only degree in Ireland that offers training and instruction in the applied aspects of coastal and marine management.
• Offers a unique combination of classroom, computer-based, laboratory and ship-based learning methods.
• Attractive balance of theoretical, administrative and scientific aspects of coastal and marine management, including technical/applied skills such as Hydrographic surveying and GIS, alongside areas such as policy-making and the management of marine spaces.
• The programme is intended to give students a comprehensive understanding of coastal and marine environments subject to multiple human uses and impacts and to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to evaluate and manage these complex, dynamic systems in ways that are both sustainable and economically productive.
• Specific topics to be covered will include the principles and practice of coastal and marine management; the physical geography and the biology of the coast and off-shore regions; and the use of geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing and other spatial information technologies for collecting, analysing and managing coastal/marine data, and for generating information products to support scientific enquiry, policy-making and management decision-making.
• Students who proceed to Part II of the programme will also be required to undertake an independent research project, which will allow them to develop in-depth expertise in one or more specialist areas of coastal or marine management, in a scientific, strategic or operational context, or in a combination of these.
• Throughout their studies, but especially when undertaking their independent research project, students will be able and encouraged to avail of the specialist equipment for physical geography, as well as GPS and surveying equipment and computer laboratories, provided by the Geography Department. They will also have access to advanced technical facilities and expertise available at the state-of-the-art Beaufort Institute, currently under development at Ringaskiddy.

Skills and Careers Information

The programme aims to consolidate Cork’s position as a national, European and international hub of expertise in marine and coastal science and management.

Successful completion of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management should provide opportunities for a variety of professional careers at home and abroad, in the public, private and non-governmental sectors, including local and national government; civil engineering and coastal defence; renewable energy; petroleum and mineral exploration and development; environmental management; cultural heritage management; fisheries management and protection; aquaculture; the Defence forces; marine transport; marine spatial planning; town and country planning; port and harbour administration; etc.

Requirements

1. A primary degree to at least a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (180 ECTS credits or equivalent) from a recognized third-level institution, in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline. Applications will also be considered from graduates in other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.
2. A primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, as detailed in 1 above, plus at least 2 years' experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied) as approved by the Director of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management on a case by case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The selection committee for the MSc also attaches strong importance to the additional supplementary online questions - see How do I Apply below.

The programme Director and/or Programme Board must approve candidates. The number of places is limited and selection will be based on academic achievement, relevant work experience and a personal statement.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

• Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
• Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please enter the names and email addresses of two referees.

Program Outline

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Applied Coastal & Marine Management MSc - University College Cork

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Degree Overview:

The MSc in Applied Coastal & Marine Management focuses on the science (including social sciences) of coastal and marine management and policy-making. It aims to equip students with the professional competency to make sound, scientifically-informed, strategic, and operational decisions regarding sustainable governance, use, and protection of coastal and marine environments. The program emphasizes a combination of theory, practice, and technical skills relevant to environmentally sustainable coastal and marine governance. It covers topics such as:

• Different models of governance
• Marine spatial planning
• Basics of coastal and marine law
• Physical functioning and key processes controlling coastal and marine environments
• Biological components of coastal margins and their ecosystems
• Interactions and exchanges between coastal and marine ecosystems
• Approaches available in coastal management and physical protection techniques
The program also provides training in applied practical skills, with an emphasis on geospatial techniques relevant to coastal and marine data capture, analysis, integration, and visualization. Students receive training in important transferable skills, including:
• Principles and practice of scientific research
• Effective communication and presentation techniques
• Sound project management

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Outline:

• GG6516 Coastal and Marine Processes (5 credits): This module explores the physical processes that shape coastal and marine environments, including waves, tides, currents, and sediment transport.
• GG6532 Coastal and Marine Resource Use Practices (10 credits): This module examines the various ways in which coastal and marine resources are used, including fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and energy extraction.
• GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS (5 credits): This module integrates GIS with ecological principles to analyze spatial patterns and processes in coastal and marine ecosystems.
• GG6538 Natural and Anthropogenic Coastal Hazards (10 credits): This module explores the causes, impacts, and management of natural and human-induced coastal hazards, such as storms, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion.
• GG6540 Applied Seafloor Mapping (10 credits): This module focuses on the techniques and applications of seafloor mapping, including hydrographic surveying, sonar systems, and data processing.
• NE6010 Offshore Wind Energy (5 credits): This module explores the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of offshore wind energy development.

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Part II (30 credits):

• GG6514 Research Dissertation in Applied Coastal and Marine Management (30 Credits): This module involves a substantial piece of independent research, allowing students to delve deeper into a specific area of coastal or marine management.
Students can conduct their research on the main university campus, through the program and other linked university staff, or within the commercially-focused environment of the Beaufort laboratory in Ringaskiddy. Other commercial and practitioner placements with relevant coastal and marine-focused industries, semi-state bodies, and government will be considered, as appropriate to project proposals submitted by students.

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Assessment:

Assessment is through a combination of coursework (including laboratory, computer, and field-based work), written exams, and submission of an independently-conducted research dissertation. Visiting academics, and practicing coastal or marine scientists and managers from the private and public sectors, will be invited to give one-off seminars according to their availability. The program utilizes an integrated combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars and workshops
• 'Dry' and 'wet' laboratory work
• Computer-based exercises
• Private study
• Field work (onshore and also at sea)
• An independent supervised research project

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Careers:

Successful completion of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management should provide opportunities for a variety of professional careers at home and abroad, in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors, including:

• Local and national government
• Civil engineering and coastal defense
• Renewable energy
• Petroleum and mineral exploration and development
• Environmental management
• Cultural heritage management
• Fisheries management and protection
• Aquaculture
• The Defence forces
• Marine transport
• Marine spatial planning
• Town and country planning
• Port and harbor administration

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Other:

• The program is the only degree in Ireland that offers training and instruction in the applied aspects of coastal and marine management.
• It offers a unique combination of classroom, computer-based, laboratory, and ship-based learning methods.
• Students spend time at sea, onboard the Irish research vessel Celtic Voyager (or equivalent), at no additional cost, to experience marine surveying and other techniques in a working research environment.
• The program aims to consolidate Cork's position as a national, European, and international hub of expertise in marine and coastal science and management.
• Accreditation for the course will be sought from an appropriate professional body such as The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMAREST).
• Graduates may gain exemptions or credits towards their own professional accreditation.