Course summary

This programme is supported by one of the largest marine conservation research groups in the UK and specifically targeted at developing graduates for marine conservation in practice. To achieve this, University of Plymouth has partnered with a suite of external organisations, and potential employers, to co-create the course. These include government bodies, NGOs, charities and international agencies in order to provide the experience necessary to work within marine conservation in the 21st century. The programme unusually integrates both natural science and social science elements. Whilst providing the necessary theoretical background in these areas, a strong focus is on the complementary applied and personal skills required to be a successful marine conservation practitioner (e.g. how legislation is developed and implemented, science communication, running an environmental charity, etc.). An aim of the course is for each student to typically undertake their masters project hosted by one of our external partners, focusing on real work marine conservation problems and their solutions. Our partners also have an input into the programme’s taught modules, sharing their knowledge and experience on the hurdles and issues they face. The course is designed to prepare students for two key aspects of marine conservation: “policy” (e.g. working for government agencies) and “advocacy” (e.g. working for an NGO or running a charity); the choice of optional module and project theme allows students to choose the future that most interests them. As we are looking to produce the ocean guardians and managers of the future, we are looking for the brightest and most dedicated people to come on the course. We therefore have a non-traditional early application process in order to select for the limited spaces available.