Course overview

Coastal locations are some of the most valued in the world. The seas and oceans can be used for communication and trade, for their biological resources and for water-based recreation. On the other hand, the sea can also be used to dump waste materials.

The juxtaposition of land and water creates additional complexity. While it is responsible for the richness of the environment, it is also associated with the hazards of erosion, landslides and flooding. Managing these risks further interferes with the natural systems of this highly dynamic environment.

It is clear that there is considerable conflict in the use of coastal and marine resources. All these uses affect both each other and the natural environments in which they operate. Many require land-based development, which is in competition with other uses seeking a coastal location. At the same time, coasts offer some of the finest views and richest ecosystems in the world and, increasingly, these natural features are demonstrating their vulnerability to human activities, sometimes to the extent that they are completely destroyed.

Coastal and marine resource management aims to conserve and sustain multiple use of the coastal zones, seas and oceans through the development of a coordinated strategy to allocate environmental, socio-cultural and institutional resources. It is a dynamic process.

The scale and complexity of problems, along with the expectation that there will be more people living in the coastal zone in 20 years time than are now living in the whole world, suggests that such coordinated strategies must be adopted very soon. It was in recognition of this imperative that this course was established.

The University's location on the south coast of England provides an ideal location for the study of costal and marine resource management. On our doorstep we have internationally important wildlife, high density urban development, world renowned maritime heritage, the busiest waterway in Britain and successful coastal management. The University's well-established research units in coastal and aquatic management also underpin the course.

This all provides for a stimulating and academically rigorous, interdisciplinary course, managed by the Faculty of Science and the Department of Geography.

One of the great strengths of the course is that with its international appeal it brings together students from very diverse backgrounds and politico-economic cultures. We accept students with experience in coastal and marine resource management who may not have formal qualifications, as well as those that have first degrees and want to work in this area. The student body to date has been characterised by its enthusiasm for the subject and its genuine desire to ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal and marine resources.

Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as satisfying the academic component for professional entry.

Course content

You will be introduced to technical and analytical frameworks and concepts, which will enable you to study the major course themes:

• the physical environment
• the institutional frameworks that have been developed for coastal and ocean areas
• the value of coastal and marine resources

The academic year is divided into three parts. The first two deal with the taught units of the course – covering the key conceptual, institutional and applied bases of the subject. The third focuses of your dissertation.

Course units

• Coastal and Marine Resource Management (30 credits): examines the theory, concepts and frameworks of coastal and marine management, and uses topical issues as examples of practical application.
• Coastal Physical Processes and Shoreline Management (30 credits): consists of two main components. The first explains the biophysical behaviour of contemporary coastal systems and the second explains how and why coastal risk management is practiced and examines the effects of management upon ‘natural’ systems.
• Law of the Sea and Marine Spatial Planning (30 credits): examines the nature of coastal and marine policy and the forces instrumental in creating such a policy. It also provides an introduction to the law affecting the utilisation of marine space and resources. This unit then considers the stages, key stakeholders and approaches to marine planning in the UK, Europe and internationally.
• Fieldwork and Research Methods (30 credits): is split into two sections. The first provides an examination of the role and importance of fieldwork in coastal and marine resource management studies and practice. The concepts, issues and practices covered in this section enable the students to undertake a field-based project on the compulsory residential trip. The second provides an introduction to research design and methods. This is provided to enable students to conduct field research in two contexts: 1) the residential field trip and 2) for their dissertation/independent study.
• Dissertation (60 credits): provides you with an opportunity to independently study a topic of your choice related to coastal and marine resource management.

Teaching and assessment

You will analyse a wide range of case studies from both local and international experience. Lectures are supported by visiting speakers and field study visits.

Assessment is varied because it has been designed to develop a number of skills relevant to a range of working environments. Coursework may involve preparation of web pages, presentations of seminar papers or posters, submission of project reports, literature reviews or book chapters, as well as more conventional essays.

Career prospects

If you work or hope to work in an organisation involved in marine resource policy or in the use or development of maritime resources, or would like to contribute to the conservation of natural resources of coasts and oceans, this could be the course for you. It will prepare you to work in industry, for central or local government, with community groups, for landowners or in a consultancy role. Alternatively, you might wish to pursue a career in research or education.

Facilities and features

You will have access to the Portland Resource Centre, which has a range of dedicated resources, such as specialist texts and journals, associated with the course. It is staffed by a team of specialists who are also able to provide expert support and guidance.

The University Library, which is at the centre of academic life, is only a short walk away. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it provides a variety of information to help with study and research. It has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks, which can be accessed across campus, from home or wherever there is an internet connection.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Geography
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550
Email: sci.admissions@port.ac.uk