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.
Modules
The course starts in term 1 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 terms. 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 term 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 term is spent with an external partner undertaking your marine conservation project, which you have developed with the partner over the previous two terms. Modules within the course are: Research Skills & Methods; Marine Conservation Theory; Marine Conservation Practice (double module); Managing Marine Ecosystems; Marine Conservation Project. Choice of either: Economics for the Marine Environment OR Small Population Conservation. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. You can apply for one of our postgraduate courses directly using our online application form. For details on how to apply, and to access the online application form, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/international-students-postgraduate-applications. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A minimum £2,000 tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Candidates will require an appropriate background in primarily a biological, marine and environmental sciences degree to honours level at good 2:1 or above. Applications are also considered from well-qualified graduates in other disciplines with relevant experience or interests. All applicants are required to present a personal statement on what their career aims within marine conservation are, plus a short written piece around marine conservation priorities in the UK (see proforma in 'How to apply' that needs completing). CV as standard.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.
English Language Requirements
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
* Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA