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• Programme overview

• The programme starts in the first semester with background information on research methodology and the science behind marine conservation, while also focusing on marine conservation in practice through a module that spans 2 semesters. This will involve day workshops, often with external conservation organisations, to gain experience of the hurdles, issues and barriers faced in the 'real world' and solutions to marine conservation issues that our external partners are developing. We will also be exploring key methodologies from assessing the health of sea floor ecosystems to how marine conservation charities are run and you get the opportunity in teams to develop and present issues and solutions for a topic of your choice. In semester 2 we will also look more closely at how we manage marine ecosystems, and you have a choice of modules either focusing on environmental economics or conservation of small populations. The final semester is spent with an external partner undertaking your marine conservation project, which you have developed with the partner over the previous two semesters.

  Core modules

  MAR530
  Managing Marine Ecosystems 20 credits

  Explore and understand threats to marine ecosystems from human activities and how these can be mitigated by management approaches. Using case studies, you’ll examine the role of policies and conservation agreements and develop a critical appreciation of how they are applied in real world examples. This module deepens your understanding of how we protect marine environments while balancing ecological and societal needs.

  100% Coursework

  MAR532
  Marine Conservation Practice 40 credits

  Discover how marine conservation is carried out in real organisational settings. You’ll work with practitioners in workshops, seminars and field visits to understand practical challenges, barriers and solutions. This module gives you first-hand insight into how conservation strategies are implemented and how professionals navigate complex marine management issues.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  MBIO505
  Marine Conservation Theory 20 credits

  Investigate the scientific and social theories that underpin modern marine conservation. Delivered through dynamic 'podules', this module examines fast-moving conservation priorities, emerging research and key global challenges. You’ll develop the conceptual grounding needed to analyse, critique and design effective conservation strategies in marine environments.

  100% Coursework

  PROJ522
  MSc Dissertation 60 credits

  Complete an independent, in depth research project shaped around your scientific interests. Work with an academic supervisor, to define a research question, develop a hypothesis and design a robust methodology. You may undertake experimental, field based or desk based research, applying appropriate analytical and statistical techniques, developing independent thinking, problem solving and critical evaluation skills.

  100% Coursework

  BMS500
  SoBMS Postgraduate Methods Module 20 credits

  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.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  Optional modules

  ANIM5007
  Small Population Conservation 20 credits

  Investigate the challenges of conserving small animal populations both in the wild and in captivity. You’ll explore genetic, behavioural, reproductive and practical considerations that influence survival and extinction, while critiquing the tools conservationists use to maintain healthy populations. This module builds your ability to evaluate and design evidence?based conservation strategies.

  100% Coursework

  GEES506
  Climate Change: Science and Policy 20 credits

  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

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

MSc Marine Conservation programme specification_6469