MSc Coastal Engineering

• Programme overview

• Study the theory of waves, tides, surges and modern techniques in coastal data collection and analysis, including GIS and remote sensing. You also study core topics in coastal and port engineering, gain research skills, are introduced to numerical modelling techniques and obtain hands-on experience of using state-of-the-art software tools.
  Towards the end of the programme, you have the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project focused on an aspect of coastal engineering, supervised by academic staff actively researching this field.

  Core modules

  COUE506
  Port and Harbour Engineering 20 credits

  This module presents the fundamental elements of the layout, design and construction of modern port structures, and provides students with the necessary understanding of the forces and loadings acting of them. The subject combines 3 elements not often found together in engineering: the requirements of a major transport infrastructure, the harsh marine environment, and the design of highly specific structural solutions.

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  COUE508
  Advanced Coastal Engineering Modelling 20 credits

  This module covers the modelling techniques and software tools used in modern coastal engineering practise. Topics include the modelling of waves, currents and sediments; the modelling of coastal engineering designs and their impacts; the use of software tools of data analysis for coastal engineers.

  100% Coursework

  COUE510
  Coastal and Offshore Engineering

  This module covers essential theoretical concepts for coastal and offshore engineers. Topics include: water wave theory, wave transformation processes, shallow water waves, coastal environments, climate change, introduction to flood defence, introduction to data analysis & software tools for coastal and offshore engineers, introduction to coastal and offshore structure design.

  MAR513Z
  Research Skills and Methods

  This 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.

  PROJ517
  MSc Dissertation

  You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.

  PRCE514
  Sustainable Engineering Scheme Design 20 credits

  The module introduces the learner to working on a ‘real world’ interdisciplinary design project comprising the integration of a number of interlinked design challenges relating to core elements of their Civil and Civil and Coastal Engineering studies. The work will be undertaken in managed teams. The project scope will range from design concept through to construction.

  100% Coursework

  Optional modules

  MAR518
  Remote Sensing and GIS

  This module introduces the principles of geographical information systems and remote sensing of marine, polar and coastal environments. Field data will be acquired using GPS and radiometric instrumentation. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of remote sensing data and analysis tools in varied scenarios and on developing practical computing skills.

  GEES506
  Climate Change: Science and Policy

  This module explores the science and policy of climatic change, including lessons from the past and the relevance of past climates to the global warming debate. We question climate change detection and attribution, feedbacks and uncertainty in climate change. We explore political actions through international political agreements and national policies and adaptation strategies and management of change in the UK

  MAR541
  Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems 20 credits

  In this module students will learn how offshore renewable energy converters operate and the engineering challenges they must overcome. The mechanics behind wave energy, tidal energy and offshore wind energy converters will be studied. Students will also gain experience in modelling the behaviour of these devices, using both industry or other standard software and physical modelling in the COAST laboratory.

  100% Coursework

MSc Coastal Engineering programme specification_2370