Overview

The details

Course: Tropical Marine Biology

Start date: October 2022

Study mode: Full-time

Maximum duration: 1 year

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Life Sciences (School of)

Tropical ecosystems provide important resources locally and globally, and coral reefs are the most diverse of marine ecosystems threatened by human activities.

Our unique multidisciplinary course, MSc Tropical Marine Biology, is designed to deliver advanced tropical marine biology theory and to facilitate the development of a comprehensive range of practical and professional skills required by today’s employers.

As a student of our School you will benefit from the breadth of research carried out by our internationally recognised academics, and will engage with current research activities both in the UK and abroad. You also have the opportunity to put theory into practice and study coral reef conservation first hand during the School’s annual field trip to the Wakatobi Marine National Park, Indonesia. Please note that students who join this optional expedition are subject to additional travel costs – the fee for field trips vary from year to year.

Explore topics including:

The biotechnological ‘treasure chest’ of marine microbes, algae and invertebrates
Tropical oceans, seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs
Coral reef resource management and conservation

During the summer term, you will embark on your own extensive research project under the supervision of researchers at the forefront of their fields. This can be conducted within our in-house Coral Reef Research Unit, or alongside one of our research partners from across the globe, addressing key questions on the functioning of and threats to tropical marine ecosystems.

Visit our marine biology subject page for more information and content.

Female student sat in the corner of a sofa holding a cup of tea and chatting to another student slightly out of view in the left of the image.

Chat to our staff and students

Find out what it's like to live and study at Essex from those who are already here.

Why we're great.

Develop your marine biology research skills with our in-house Coral Reef Research Unit.
Gain hands-on experience of coral reef conservation in the Wakatobi Marine National Park, Indonesia.
Benefit from our global links to field stations and conservation organisations.

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 benefit from our academics’ wide range of expertise on important national and international problems using cutting-edge techniques.

Key academic staff for this course include experts in community ecology of coral reefs, tropical marine biology and conservation, coral stress physiology, aquatic community ecology, and ecological and evolutionary responses to global change.

The University of Essex has 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

Recent investment has provided modern facilities for imaging biological systems, aquatic community ecology, photosynthesis and eco-physiology. On our course you have the opportunity to:

Work in an open and friendly school, with shared staff-student social spaces
Conduct your research alongside academics and PhD students in shared labs
Develop your practical skills through mapping habitats and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Learn to use state-of-the-art research facilities

Your future

As the world's environmental problems increase, the demand for qualified marine biologists continues to grow, and postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and to work in some public bodies or private companies.

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

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 doctorate research. Many overseas students return to comparable posts in their home country.

We work with the University’s Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A degree with a 2.2 in a relevant subject such as : Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences and Tropical Biology.

Applications from students with a degree below a 2:2 will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience, previous modules studied and/or personal statement.

Your Degree should contain some Ecology components including aquatic/marine Ecology, Biodiversity or Conservation.

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 select your country page where you'll find this information.

English language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5

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.

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

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:

100

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.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Research Project: MSc Tropical Marine Biology

(90 CREDITS)

Your dissertation is the culmination of your academic career so far. Split into two stages, you will firstly undertake detailed research of the relevant scientific literature and prepare a project proposal (10% of the project mark). You will then be provided with appropriate training relevant to your chosen area of research, enabling you to compile a detailed report in the format of a scientific paper and literature review (90% of project mark).

View Research Project: MSc Tropical Marine Biology on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Tropical Marine Systems

(15 CREDITS)

This module aims to widen the understanding of tropical marine systems, the diversity of organisms that exist, the roles they play as well as the fundamental biological processes that enable these organisms to thrive. Explore four main tropical habitats: coral reefs, tropical oceans, seagrass beds, and mangrove systems, and discover the key functional roles of photosynthetic producers (corals, algae, cyanobacteria, plants) and heterotrophic consumers (planktonic, benthic and pelagic invertebrates and vertebrates). Learn how to evaluate ecological and biogeochemical processes within tropical marine systems and their productivity, connectivity and resilience.

View Tropical Marine Systems on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Marine Resources

(15 CREDITS)

This module explores the mariculture and fisheries in tropical seas as well as the biotechnological 'treasure chest' provided by marine microbes, algae and invertebrates.

View Marine Resources on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Methods in Marine Biology

(15 CREDITS)

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 some components of bio-geochemistry, physiology, data analysis and visualisation, and biotechnology, and develop the four of the most wanted cross-disciplinary skills (multi-disciplinary, data management, numeracy, and translating research into practice) which will help you effectively operate as a professional marine biologist.

View Methods in Marine Biology on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Postgraduate Professional Skills

(15 CREDITS)

In this career-focused module you develop skills specific to your discipline, such as critical analysis, integration and communication in a multidisciplinary research environment. Study how to utilise modern learning environments and how to apply statistical methods in handling, analysing and interpreting large datasets in R, the software environment for statistical computing and graphics. The seminars and workshops cover CV and application clinics, facilitate expedition planning, introduce health and safety aspects of practical work, and increase numeracy skills.

View Postgraduate Professional Skills on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Data Analysis and Visualisation

(15 CREDITS)

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

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(15 CREDITS)

Teaching

We teach using a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, seminars, optional fieldwork, independent reading and research projects
Gain practical experience on our annual trip to Indonesia (optional)

Assessment

Our modules are assessed by coursework only, including essays, worksheets, verbal/visual presentations and written reviews

Dissertation

Each student is assigned a supervisor to provide guidance on their research project
Conducted within our in-house Coral Reef Research Unit, or alongside one of our research partners from across the globe
During the latter stages of your project, you compile a detailed report (in scientific paper format) including a literature review

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£10,480

International fee

£20,350

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

2022 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Find out more

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.

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How to get to Colchester Campus, parking and other travel information

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