MSc Applied Coastal and Marine Management

at University College Cork

The programme will consist of two parts.
 

• Part I will consist of eight taught modules to the value of 60 credits involving lectures, practicals, seminars and workshops.

• Part II will be a substantial piece of Independent Research to the value of 30 credits (GG6514).
   

Each of the prescribed taught modules will be examined by a written paper and/or continuous assessment. Each candidate progressing to Part II of the programme must submit the research project (GG6514) in an area of Applied Coastal and Marine Management by 4.00pm on the Friday of the third week in September in the academic year of registration for the programme. Independent research projects can be carried out on the main university campus, through the Programme and other linked University Staff; or, with support from relevant Research Staff, within the commercially-focussed environment of the Beaufort laboratory in Ringaskiddy. Other commercial and practitioner placements with relevant coastal and marine-focussed industries, semi-state bodies and government will be considered, as appropriate to project proposals submitted by students.
 

Students take a total of 90 credits. Part I consists of 60 credits. Part II consists of 30 credits.
 

PART I 

• GG6501 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)

• GG6502 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits)

• GG6504 Digital Image Processing

• GG6516 Coastal and Marine Processes (10 credits)

• GG6532 Coastal and Marine Resource Use Practices (10 credits)

• GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS 

• GG6538 Natural and Anthropogenic Coastal Hazards (10 credits)

• GG6539 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance (5 credits)

• GL6023 Offshore Environmental Geology (5 credits)
   

PART II

• GG6514 Research Dissertation in Applied Coastal and Marine Management (30 Credits)

• A primary degree to at least a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (180 ECTS credits or equivalent) from a recognized third-level institution, in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline.  Applications will also be considered from graduates in other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities. 

• A primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, as detailed in 1 above, plus at least 2 years' experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied) as approved by the Director of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management on a case by case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
   

The selection committee for the MSc also attaches strong importance to the additional supplementary online questions - see How do I Apply below.
 

The programme Director and/or Programme Board must approve candidates. The number of places is limited and selection will be based on academic achievement, relevant work experience and a personal statement.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

The EU fee for this course is €6,130.
 

The Non-EU fee for this course is €16,400.

The programme aims to consolidate Cork’s position as a national, European and international hub of expertise in marine and coastal science and management. Successful completion of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management should provide opportunities for a variety of professional careers at home and abroad, in the public, private and non-governmental sectors, including local and national government; civil engineering and coastal defence; renewable energy; petroleum and mineral exploration and development; environmental management; cultural heritage management; fisheries management and protection; aquaculture; the Defence forces; marine transport; marine spatial planning; town and country planning; port and harbour administration; etc.