Marine Environmental Management MSc

Program Overview

MSc Marine Environmental Management

Overview

The MSc Marine Environmental Management programme explores the relationships between coastal and marine ecosystems and human activity. It includes an international field course to the Maldives with up to ten dives possible and UK-based fieldwork. Students gain transferable skills for marine environmental management and learn to use 'R' and GIS. The dissertation can involve external placement/s, and the programme is delivered by internationally recognised experts in a location surrounded by coastal and marine biodiversity.

Course Variants

MSc Marine Environmental Management with International Field Course

• Fieldwork is an integral part of the programme, with the location of the Penryn Campus providing excellent access to local marine and coastal environments.
• The field course to the Maldives allows students to learn about the wonder of Maldivian coral reefs, their rich biodiversity, structure, functioning, threats from climate change, and management needs.
• Daily practicals involve snorkelling and diving for those with a Rescue Diver qualification.
• Topics covered in daily lectures include coral reef ecology, human impacts to reefs, and taxonomy.

MSc Marine Environmental Management with UK Field Course

• In line with the commitment to tackling the global climate emergency, the programme also offers a low-carbon UK field course destination.
• This programme offers lower tuition fees.
• The UK field course allows students to consider the meaning of the world 'wild' in Britain.
• Topics include exploitation of the UK's ecosystems, global policy impact, and the behaviour and ecology of the UK's fauna and flora.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 degree or above in a relevant science subject is normally required.
• Relevant subjects include Biology, Biosciences, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Geography, Marine Biology, Natural Sciences, and Zoology.
• International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
• The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Course Content

• The programme explores the diverse ways in which human activities affect marine life and introduces management approaches to alleviate pressures from activities such as fisheries, tourism, coastal development, and climate change.
• It examines in depth the science and practice of creating and managing marine protected areas to safeguard marine life and promote human livelihoods and wellbeing.
• Modules include:
  • Research Project
  • Statistical Modelling
  • Fisheries Management
  • Marine Protected Areas
  • Coral Reef Field Course (for the international field course variant)
  • Rewilding the United Kingdom (for the UK field course variant)
  • Optional modules:
    • Marine and Coastal Social-ecological systems
    • Governing the Seas in a Changing World
    • Conservation Practice and Evidence
    • GIS in Ecology and Conservation

Fees

• 2025/26 entry - UK fees per year:
  • With UK Field Course: £14,500 full-time; £7,250 part-time
  • With International Field Course: £15,700 full-time; £7,850 part-time
• 2025/26 entry - international fees per year:
  • With UK Field Course: £29,500 full-time; £14,750 part-time
  • With International Field Course: £30,700 full-time; £15,350 part-time
• Fees include costs of field trips.

Teaching and Research

• The programme is delivered by internationally recognised experts in a location surrounded by coastal and marine biodiversity.
• Research seminars enable students to interact with a diversity of top academics and get to know about their ongoing research.
• The programme offers a thorough training in research skills and methods, providing an excellent basis for an academic career.
• The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year.

Careers

• The programme prepares students for careers in environmental NGOs, fisheries management bodies, government agencies, consultancy companies, and marine-related businesses.
• The degree also offers a thorough training in research skills and methods, providing an excellent basis for an academic career.
• Employer-valued skills developed through the programme include scientific writing and poster preparation, grant writing, public speaking, short film production, press release and the professional use of social media, data analysis, and writing scientific information for a lay audience.