Marine Ecosystems MRes

Program Overview

This MRes in Marine Ecosystems provides students with a deep understanding of marine environmental research through a blend of taught modules and a supervised research project. The program focuses on core concepts, processes, and implementation of marine ecosystem management, equipping graduates for careers in academia or industry. With a focus on individual project design and interdisciplinary research, the program offers opportunities for students to explore diverse topics and develop specialized skills in marine science.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

This MRes in Marine Ecosystems provides students with a deep understanding of marine environmental research, equipping them for careers in academia or industry.

Description:

This master's program blends taught and research modules, focusing on:

• Core Concepts & Issues: Students gain insights into the role of science, policy, technology, and economic development within the marine environment, alongside exploring marine environmental issues, their origins and potential solutions.
• Process & Structure: Students delve into the processes that maintain and alter the structure and function of coastal waters and learn key concepts and methodologies used in ecosystem management, environmental conservation science.

Outline:

Course Schedule:

• Semester 1: Three taught modules (60 credits total) delivered in week-long blocks.
• Semesters 2 & 3: 120 credit research project, focused on:
• The Arctic
• The Maldives
• The Bahamas
• The Northumberland Coast (UK)

Individual Modules:

Module Name

|

• --|---|---|
MRes Research Project | 120 credit individual project. Students design, execute, and report on a supervised project, utilizing their chosen research area and drawing on the expertise of the University's Ecology Research Group.
• | Compulsory
Quantitative Ecological Research Methods | This 20-credit module introduces quantitative ecological research methodologies, providing students with the necessary tools to analyze and interpret ecological data.
• | Compulsory
Dynamics of Coupled Human-Natural Systems | Focusing on human influence on natural ecosystems, this 20-credit module explores methods for analyzing coupled human and natural systems, addressing issues such as climate change, land-use change, and resource depletion.
• | Compulsory
Understanding Marine Ecosystems | Delving into the complexity of marine ecosystems, this 20-credit module examines the various components and processes that govern these dynamic systems, covering topics like food webs, biodiversity, and nutrient cycles.
• | Compulsory

Assessment:

Methods:

• Essay
• Professional skills assessment
• Oral presentation
• Report
• Research proposal
• Research paper

Teaching:

Methods:

• Week-long blocks for taught modules
• Research project supervision

Faculty:

• Ecology Research Group faculty with over 30 years of research
• Expertise across natural and social sciences in coastal-marine science
• Connections to national and international collaborators

Strengths:

• Individual project design
• Project proposal submission on application
• Varied project topics
• Interdisciplinary approach

Careers:

• Research scientist opportunities
• Strong connections with relevant organizations
• Industry-focused research projects
• Alumni success in coral reefs, physical oceanography, marine spatial mapping, and more

Other:

• Program duration: 12 months
• Course start date: September
• Tuition fees:
• Home student: £13,400 per year
• International student: £29,800 per year
• Part-time option available
• Part-time tuition fees: £6,700 per year
• Funding opportunities available