MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development
Overview
What is the MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development?
The MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development is a one-year degree studied at our Colchester Campus.
You’ll gain the knowledge, skills and experience needed to identify sustainable development opportunities and assist conservation science, ‘blue economy' industries and ocean governance.
Why this course
The MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development aligns with the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, so graduates like you can build relevant expertise and reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health.
You'll be immersed in a real research environment as you complete your research project on placement in a government, industry or non-government organisation with our partners such as The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association and The Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).
You’ll graduate with the understanding and experience needed for a role in marine science, such as generating ecological survey data, prospecting for pharmaceuticals, practising data analytics, GIS mapping, or directing environmental policy.
Who should apply
- Future marine scientists and practitioners of marine sustainable development
- Those wanting to further our modern understanding of life below water
- Students eager to support and improve marine life and environments
- Practical learners wanting field and professional experience
What you’ll learn
- Marine biology: Explore how marine resources are used and how to investigate marine systems
- Research: Secure advanced research and data analysis skills
- Professional skills: Integrate your subject knowledge into the skills and competencies needed for a career in marine science
- Government: Tailor your degree with your choice of modules from the Department of Government
Your learning experience
- Expert teaching: Learn in a lively, friendly supportive community with research-led study and high-quality teaching from researchers across the spectrum of biology
- Specialist facilities: Access a range of equipment and facilities from teaching labs to research aquaria, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), bioimaging, videoscopy, aquatic community ecology, photosynthesis and eco-physiology research facilities
Careers and outcomes
An MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development degree prepares you for diverse careers in:
- Marine biology: Research, conservation, horticulture, veterinary science, fisheries
- Government: Ocean governance, policy-making, consultancy
- Environment: Ecology, sustainability
- Research: Marine biology, ocean science
- 1st in the UK for biology (Mail University Guide 2026)
- Top 100 globally for six of the UN Sustainable Development (THE Impact Rankings 2026)
- 100% of biological and sport sciences postgraduate graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025)
Meet the researchers
Course content
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
| Status | What this means |
| Core |
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Core with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Compulsory |
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Compulsory with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Optional |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
| HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. |
The module number. |
The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
|
COMPONENT 01: CORE
In this module, you are given the opportunity to experience working with an organisation on policies for the sustainable development of marine resources. In consultation with the module supervisor, you will pro-actively engage with a wide range of possible providers, for example, from industry, government, NGOs, conservation bodies, or charitable trusts. A member of academic staff will provide guidance and your placement can range from mostly remote activities to in-person interaction for up to 12-weeks duration. Depending on your choice, the placement may incur additional costs to you in order to cover travel to and living costs at the location of your placement. As well as obtaining vocational experience, you will disseminate the results of the experience in an outward-facing report and presentation.
COMPONENT 02: CORE
This module provides you with the research methods and analytical skills that are necessary to carry out a research project on a specific topic.
COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY
This module explores the mariculture and fisheries in tropical seas as well as the biotechnological 'treasure chest' provided by marine microbes, algae and invertebrates. This module has been designed to enable students to integrate their subject knowledge with an understanding of sustainable development, acquiring the skills and competencies essential for addressing the urgent sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY
The overall aim of this module is to sharpen the skill base in practical research by introducing a range of methodologies to aid in the investigation of marine processes. Focus on research planning, data collection, analysis and visualisation, and develop key cross-disciplinary skills (multi-disciplinarity, data management, numeracy, and translating research into practice) which will help you effectively operate as a professional marine scientist. This module has been designed to enable students to integrate their subject knowledge with an understanding of sustainable development, acquiring the skills and competencies essential for addressing the urgent sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY
In this career-focused module you develop skills specific to your discipline, such as critical analysis, integration and communication in a multidisciplinary research environment. The seminars and workshops will assist with integrating your subject knowledge by developing your writing and presenting skills, cover CV and application clinics, facilitate research/expedition planning, and introduce health and safety aspects of research work. This module has been designed to acquire the skills and competencies essential for addressing the urgent sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
View Postgraduate Professional Skills on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY
This module provides you with the opportunity to improve your data analysis and visualisation skills. The ability to critically analyse raw data, and to communicate findings from these analyses in appropriate formats in a multidisciplinary research environment, provides the foundation for your successful career in environmental sciences.
View Data Analysis and Visualisation on our Module Directory
Teaching
- We teach using a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, seminars, optional fieldwork, independent reading, and research projects.
- Postgraduate Taught students in the School of Life Sciences typically attend ten hours of workshops, lectures, seminars, and practicals every week.
- Learn from practitioners in environmental policy during your work placement over the summer.
Assessment
- Our modules are assessed by coursework only, including essays, worksheets, verbal/visual presentations, and written reviews.
Dissertation
- Each student is assigned a personal tutor and a placement supervisor to guide their research project.
- You can conduct a work placement with one of our partners of policy-forming conservation organisations.
- During the latter stages of your project, you participate in our annual MSc Conference and compile a detailed report including a literature review.
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent in one of the following subjects:
- Environmental Sciences
- Marine Biology
- Marine Chemistry
- Marine Ecology and Conservation
- Marine Science
- Oceanography
- Tropical Biology
We will also consider a 2:2 degree in any subject with three modules from the below list:
- Aquatic/Marine Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Marine Science
- Oceanography
We will also consider applicants with 2 out of the 3 above modules
Applicants without the required subject, modules or with a lower level degree will also be considered where they also have at least 6 weeks' relevant work experience in marine/ environmental science and/or conservation (marine conservation organisation (NGO or governmental), fisheries organisation, tourism organisation with relevant diving (e.g. SCUBA instructor, expedition leader for volunteer organisation, coral restoration with hotel), teaching a relevant subject.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£11,025
International fee
£23,875
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Open Days
We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.
2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)
Applying
You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.
We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
Got a question about this course? Chat with one of our academics in the School of Life Sciences.
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