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Marine Ecosystem Management at University of St Andrews - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

The MSc in Marine Ecosystem Management is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Biology. The programme takes a holistic approach to understanding ecosystem function and services, and draws on the quantitative and diverse academic expertise within the University's Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI).  Highlights

  • Modules include intense training in quantitative techniques (for example, statistical modelling and GIS).
  • You might have the exciting opportunity to conduct fieldwork locally as part of a core module and further afield as part of optional field courses (extra cost applicable) including polar ecology in Antarctica or scientific diving in a tropical location.
  • Core modules in marine ecosystem function and management are complemented by a selection from optional modules including marine conservation case study, biologging, population biology, fisheries research, and estimating abundance.
  • Stimulating, small class sizes with a focus on student-led, experiential learning.

Modules

During Semester 1, students follow a coherent course of modules that provides sound training in essential skills for managing marine ecosystems. The first semester combines two compulsory modules with a choice of one of two further optional modules.

  • Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
  • Mathematical and statistical modelling for Biologists
In addition, students choose one optional module from the following:
  • Environmental Drivers of Marine Habitats
  • Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management
Semester 2 combines one compulsory module with a choice of three optional modules. The following module is compulsory:
  • Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems
Students choose three optional modules. Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
  • Current Issues in Biologging
  • Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity
  • Fisheries Research
  • Population Biology
  • Marine Conservation Case Study
  • Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica
  • Scientific Diving
Research Project: Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a written dissertation and the presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Projects may involve some fieldwork but will be primarily focused on the analysis of existing data. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their own project plan. If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Entry requirements

- A first or 2.1 (Honours) undergraduate degree in a relevant natural science. Other scientific, engineering or mathematics degrees may be acceptable. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the University's international entry requirements. - Training in advanced mathematics and statistics (at least to UK school AS/A-level, Higher, International Baccalaureate or equivalent). - Very good baseline IT skills including word-processing, spreadsheet use, email and internet. - relevant field or lab experience from previous employment, project or volunteer work - further IT skills, e.g. programming, database software and statistical packages for analysing (such as MATLAB, SPSS, SAS or R) - dedicated calculus or statistics modules at university level.

English language requirements

For the current English Language requirements please visit the English language requirements for postgraduate students on the University of St Andrews website.

English language requirements for postgraduate students

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/language-requirements/postgraduate/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For the most current information on course fees please visit https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/taught/.

Sponsorship information

Recent Graduate Discount: The University of St Andrews offers a 10 percent reduction in postgraduate tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme. Further details on awards are available from our Fees and Funding webpages: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/scholarships/taught/

Marine Ecosystem Management at University of St Andrews - UCAS