Marine Science and Sustainable Development

Entry requirements

We will consider all applicants with 2:2 or above, or equivalent international qualifications. For some courses, there may be additional requirements which can be found on our website.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Our ocean is the largest connected system on Earth, but it is under increasing pressure from expanding human activities and the climate crisis. As a future expert in marine science, you learn to identify sustainable development opportunities and assist conservation science, ‘blue economy' industries, and ocean governance.

Our MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development course aligns with the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to build relevant expertise and reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health. While critically examining the structure, function and benefits of marine systems in our taught modules in our School of Life Sciences, you also have access to modules provided by our Department of Government, which is ranked 6th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021), before embarking on a work placement with government, industry, or non-government organisations to conduct an independent research project over the summer.

You learn to develop your networks, including carefully selected research providers, decision-makers, and stakeholders with whom you can design and adapt existing policy to mitigate the impact of environmental change. Your developing skills are underpinned by policy-oriented projects within our School, supporting you to find your own external placement or a project with one of our external partners, such as:

• The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association: setting standards for the ornamental aquatic industry
• The Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Lowestoft, Suffolk: the marine and freshwater agency of the Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

You benefit from the vast breadth of research carried out by our internationally recognised academics, and engage with research activities of our School both in the UK and abroad.

Specifically, you explore topics including:

• adaptation strategies, mitigation strategies and science-informed policy responses.
• the state of the environment and the politics of environmental challenges
• characteristics of marine environments and anthropogenic pressures
• sustainable marine resource management and conservation

When you graduate, you become part of the growing community of practitioners in marine sustainable development. You will have gained the most sought-after skills that make you well-placed for employment in the marine environment sector or provide an avenue for further academic study.

We’re ranked 54th (14th in UK) for promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for climate action (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024).

Information for international students

Entry requirements: You can find international entry requirements for most countries on our international students webpage. If your country is not listed, please contact Postgraduate Admissions at pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

Pre-sessional English Language courses: If you need to improve your English language skills before joining your main degree course, we offer pre-sessional English courses on our campuses in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways.

Fees and funding

There are a wide range of funding options for postgraduate study, including scholarships, bursaries and alumni discounts. You can check your eligibility on our fees and funding webpage.