Program Overview
The MSc in Applied Coastal & Marine Management at University College Cork focuses on the science, policy, and practical skills needed for sustainable management of coastal and marine environments. Through a combination of theory, research, and hands-on training, students develop expertise in governance, spatial planning, and ecosystem conservation, preparing them for careers in various sectors related to coastal and marine management.
Program Outline
Applied Coastal & Marine Management MSc - University College Cork
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
