Meet the lecturers
Key features
- Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Join a long established (1991), well-respected programme with an excellent record for employment in the marine sciences sector.
- Develop confidence and competence in the theoretical and practical dimensions of marine science, deepening your scientific knowledge of the coastal environment and the pressures placed on it.
- Gain the skills and knowledge required to work as a marine scientist through a vocationally relevant programme, while also benefitting from our strong research-based teaching, supported by our
marine research groups . - Become experienced in coastal zone management using a range of practical techniques and approaches to problem solving.
- Connect with local marine organisations including the University's Marine Institute, Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the National Marine Aquarium.
- Make the most of our links to commercial consultancy companies, local councils and environmental organisations that can provide project ideas and supervision on your dissertation.
- Access an extensive range of field/laboratory equipment, including the COAST laboratories, our research vessel RV Falcon Spirit and a new waterfront
Marine Station . - Build the skills required to assimilate knowledge over a wide range of disciplines and apply them to environmental analysis.
- Benefit from the option of studying this programme part time.
Course details
-
Programme overview
-
Our programme includes taught modules, research training, laboratory work, coursework, exams, a research project and dissertation. There are visits to local bays and estuaries and a field week working with complex instrumentation in the lab and at sea. Period one concentrates on research training and a multi-disciplinary overview of the marine sciences. Periods two and three are spent on your research project and dissertation. You can carry out your research project and dissertation with external bodies (e.g. PML, Fugro-GEOS, Astra-Zeneca) in the UK and abroad. Topics include projects in both pure and applied research. Due to the extended nature of the MRes research project, you take an additional module on project planning at the start of your dissertation period that provides underpinning and support for the development of your research project. You are also required to successfully defend your completed dissertation by viva voce with an external examiner.
Further programme information.Core modules
MAR513
Research Skills and MethodsThis module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.
MAR514
Marine Science 20 creditsThis module provides an introductory overview of basic oceanography including physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the subject. There is particular emphasis on methods of quantifying and predicting coastal conditions, as well as interplay between physical, chemical and biological aspects of ocean science.
100% Coursework
MAR515
Management of Coastal EnvironmentsThis module introduces students to the process, method and framework used to manage change in coastal and marine environments. It will focus on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and will emphasise the importance of collectively considering physical, ecological and socio-economic factors and processes involved in coastal management. Case Studies will be used to illustrate the range of the management processes available.
MAR525
MRes DissertationThe student will complete a research project that they have designed in the semester 1 research skills module. The project can be submitted in the format of a journal paper or dissertation. The write-up will communicate the project aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis and conclusions. The student will defend his/her work in a viva voce with the Subject External Examiner.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Entry requirements
- A good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent preferably in a science or engineering subject. If you don’t have any recent formal qualifications, we may accept work place experience.
- If you have overseas qualifications you can check how they compare with the UK equivalent through Ecctis, who provide an advisory service.
- If English is not your first language then we’ll need evidence of your proficiency in English. The minimum IELTS score usually accepted is 6.5. Our
International Office has more information.
Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | |
---|---|---|
Home | £11,000 | £11,350 |
International | £19,800 | £20,400 |
Part time (Home) | £610 | £630 |
Scholarships for international students
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
- For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)
How to apply
When to apply
Before you apply
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Disability Inclusion Services
International students
Submitting an application
What happens after I apply?
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions policy
A career to take you around the world
From governments to environmental agencies to marine consultancies, our graduates leave ready to build successful careers all around the globe.

Safeguarding the future of reef manta rays
"I’m proud to say that my work has helped to advance our understanding of reef manta ray migrations, habitat use and feeding ecology, which have been used to develop effective protection strategies."

Graduate profile – Hugh O’Sullivan
"From the moment I entered my masters it was intense: learning new material and working hard to meet deadlines was tough. However, my confidence has increased and I now possess certain skills my colleagues do not."

Marine Station

Meet our staff
People
-
Dr Vasyl Vlasenko
Associate Lecturer
Programme Leader and Modelling Marine Processes
-
Dr Mark Davidson
Associate Professor in Coastal Processes
Lecturer on Coastal Erosion and Protection
-
Professor Paul Russell
Professor of Coastal Dynamics
Research Skills/Methods and Coastal Erosion and Protection
-
Professor Gerd Masselink
Professor of Coastal Geomorphology
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
-
Dr Lynda Rodwell
Associate Professor in Ecological Economics
Economics of the Marine Environment
-
Dr Andrew Manning
Associate Professor in Coastal and Shelf Physical Oceanography
Geology, Geophysics and Physical Oceanography of Shelves and Coasts
-
Dr Simon Ingram
Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Marine Biology and Ecology
-
Dr Gillian Glegg
Associate Professor in Marine Management
Marine Science and Regulations