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MSc - Marine and Coastal Ecology

This course is subject to validation.
What does this mean?

This one-year taught MSc in Marine and Coastal Ecology provides students with an in-depth understanding of marine ecosystems and equips them with the practical skills needed to address the global challenges facing coastal and marine environments. The curriculum integrates both local and international case studies, with a particular focus on the Solway Firth, Morecambe Bay, and the Irish Sea, while expanding to cover regions such as North America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific.

The course combines essential theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, preparing students for careers in marine conservation, resource management, policy development, and environmental consultancy. Key themes include marine ecology, fisheries management, pollution control, marine spatial planning, and research skills, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for both professional and academic roles in marine and coastal ecology.

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Course Overview

This MSc offers a rare opportunity to study marine and coastal ecology in a stunning real-world classroom—right on the edge of the Solway Firth and Irish Sea—while gaining globally relevant skills that will prepare you for a career anywhere in the world.

On this course you will...

  • Immersive, Place-Based Learning in a Coastal County Study marine and coastal ecology in one of the UK’s most ecologically diverse coastal regions. With access to the Solway Firth, Morecambe Bay, and the Irish Sea, students benefit from hands-on learning in estuaries, intertidal zones, salt marshes, and temperate reefs right on the university’s doorstep.
  • Global Perspective with Local Application This programme combines international best practice in marine science and conservation with real-world application to UK and Cumbrian ecosystems, preparing students to work on coastal and marine issues anywhere in the world.
  • Strong Career Pathways in a High-Demand Sector With growing global demand for marine scientists and coastal resource managers, this MSc equips graduates with the practical skills, ecological knowledge, and critical thinking needed for careers in conservation NGOs, government agencies, environmental consultancy, and academia.
  • Interdisciplinary and Research-Driven Curriculum The programme integrates ecology, oceanography, GIS, fisheries science, and marine policy, with opportunities to develop research proposals and undertake field- or lab-based dissertation projects on issues that matter to communities and ecosystems.
  • Access to Expert Faculty and Collaborative Networks Learn from a team of experienced researchers and practitioners with international backgrounds in marine conservation, supported by the University’s growing network of partners in academia, conservation, and environmental consultancy.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

Compulsory modules in the key areas of science underpinning coastal and marine ecology provide the foundational knowledge for the degree.

Modules

Key themes include marine ecology, fisheries management, pollution control, marine spatial planning, and research skills, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for both professional and academic roles in marine and coastal ecology.

Compulsory modules
  • Marine and Estuarine Ecology (20 credits)
    This module covers the structure and functioning of marine and estuarine ecosystems, emphasizing key processes such as nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and food webs, with a particular focus on the Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay. Students will engage in fieldwork to develop practical skills in species identification and ecological assessment.
  • Marine and Coastal Pollution (20 credits)
    Students will explore the sources, types, and impacts of pollutants on marine ecosystems, including microplastics, oil spills, and chemical runoff. The module emphasizes practical fieldwork and lab-based methods for assessing pollution and examines international regulatory frameworks aimed at mitigating pollution.
  • GIS, Remote Sensing, and Marine Spatial Planning (20 credits)
    This combined module teaches students how to use GIS and remote sensing tools to collect and analyse spatial data related to marine and coastal habitats. Students will also explore marine spatial planning frameworks to balance conservation and resource use, using real-world examples to assess spatial conflicts and sustainable management strategies.
  • Fisheries Biology and Management (20 credits)
    Focused on the biological and ecological principles that govern fisheries, this module covers population dynamics, stock assessments, and fisheries management practices. Students will engage with case studies from the UK and global fisheries to explore sustainable management techniques and the role of fisheries in food security and conservation.
  • Research Skills for Marine and Coastal Ecologists (20 credits)
    This module provides essential skills in study design, data management, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and grant proposal development. Students will also gain project management skills and learn to communicate their findings effectively to both scientific and public audiences, preparing them for research careers or environmental consultancy.
  • Dissertation Research (60 credits)
    Running throughout the year, the dissertation offers students the opportunity to undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice within marine and coastal ecology. Projects may involve fieldwork, lab-based analysis, or data-driven research, culminating in a written thesis and oral presentation.
Optional modules
  • Marine Vertebrate Ecology (20 credits)
    This module explores the ecology and conservation of key marine vertebrates, including vulnerable fishes (e.g., sharks, rays, and groupers), sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Students will learn about the ecological roles of these species and the threats they face, gaining practical skills in population monitoring and conservation techniques.
  • Tropical Marine Ecology (20 credits)
    Focused on tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, this module covers the ecological processes that sustain these habitats and the threats posed by climate change, overfishing, and coastal development. Conservation strategies and case studies from regions like the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific are used to illustrate effective management practices.
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    Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus

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