Marine and Coastal Sustainability

Entry requirements

A 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Anthropology, Biosciences, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Geography, International/Global Development, Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Natural Sciences, Politics, Zoology).

Entry requirements are broad and enable applicants from a range of disciplines. Applications outside these will be considered on a case-by-case basis to enable consideration of other relevant experience.

Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

• A unique programme that places social science perspectives at its centre
• Examine how environmental sustainability can be achieved while improving social wellbeing and resilience of coastal communities
• Hosted by our Environment and Sustainability Institute, an interdisciplinary centre leading cutting-edge research into solutions to problems of environmental change
• Gain practical experience on our low-carbon field course and explore the sustainability dilemmas facing UK coastal communities
• Delivered by internationally recognised experts in a location surrounded by coastal and marine biodiversity
• Training in research skills and transdisciplinary methods will prepare you for a wide range of careers in NGOs, conservation and resource management agencies, sustainability consultancy, government, and academic research

Oceans, seas and coasts represent a new frontier for sustainability science and are increasingly recognised as central to global sustainable development. Growing demand for marine resources, momentum towards a ‘blue economy’, and the increasing vulnerability of coastal populations in the face of climate change present major challenges. Addressing these problems requires trained interdisciplinary scientists and practitioners in marine social and environmental science.

Core modules examine the interlinked nature of social and ecological systems, considering the role of marine resources in contributing to people’s wellbeing and livelihoods, how people contribute to and are impacted by environmental change, and the potential synergies and trade-offs in balancing social and environmental sustainability objectives.

Optional modules enable you to draw on other disciplines to gain an in-depth understanding of the ecology of marine and coastal systems, the science underpinning their management and conservation, and the role of marine and coastal systems in supporting human health.

Information for international students

Fees and funding

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This is in addition to the UK Government’s Postgraduate Loan Scheme. For information on how you can fund your postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter, please visit the postgraduate study pages on our website.