MSc Marine Science and Sustainable Development

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).

Visit our MSc Tropical Marine Biology course page for information about our other marine postgraduate degree.

Sustainability at Essex

To learn about the initiatives and actions the University of Essex is taking to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, visit our sustainability page.

Our expert staff

As one of the largest schools at our University, we offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment with research-led study and high-quality teaching. You will benefit will from the wide expertise of our research-active academics and their pioneering work on marine issues of national and global importance.

Current research topics include nationally and internationally recognised work on:

• movement of life in the oceans
• contributions to climate change from aquatic systems
• sustainable fisheries
• deep-sea biology

Our School houses expertise in community ecology of coral reefs, tropical marine biology and conservation, coral stress physiology, aquatic community ecology, fisheries, pollution, biological materials, nutrient cycling and ecological and evolutionary responses to global change, with contributions to international research efforts in all of these areas.

We are proud that one third of students at the University of Essex are from outside of the UK. We also have a Women's Network to support female staff and students, and our School was awarded the Athena Swan Silver Award in October 2020, which reflects the work carried out by staff in our School to continue to improve equality, including a mentorship scheme, support for postdoctoral research staff, and financial help towards childcare costs for academics who wish to attend conferences.

Specialist facilities

Our School of Life Sciences contains fantastic, modern facilities for bioscience research. Most of the techniques we use routinely are available, where appropriate, to our students during their research projects. All laboratory spaces are shared, meaning that you will work alongside your fellow students, PhD students, and even post-doctoral researchers.

Recent investments in research infrastructure include cutting edge bioimaging systems, videoscopy for behavioural research, brand new recirculating aquaria in the aquatic biology research labs, and numerous accessory facilities for aquatic community ecology, photosynthesis and eco-physiology research.

Your future

As mankind's impacts on the environment become increasingly clear, the demand for qualified marine biologists continues to grow. Postgraduate study can be a requirement for a career in scientific research and help immensely when applying for jobs in consultancy, publishing, government, private industry, or the third sector.

Our graduates go on to a range of careers. Some work with governmental and non-governmental environmental agencies, organisations, consultancies and voluntary organisations, or go on to conduct doctoral research. Many overseas students return to comparable posts in their home country.

Many of our Masters students progress to study for their PhD, and we offer numerous studentships to support you in your studies.

We additionally work with our Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

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.

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.

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.