MSc in Marine Science, Policy and Law: University of Southampton

Course Description

This programme will provide you with specialised training in the skills required for the development of international science-based policy in areas related to the protection and management of the marine environment – an area in which there is a recognised shortage of graduates.

You will acquire broad knowledge of multidisciplinary science and international law, and develop key skills in evidence-based policy making.

Programme structure

Semester 1

Core modules

• Contemporary topics
• International maritime and environmental law
• Introduction to marine geology
• Key skills
• Literature review

Plus one from

• Introduction to biological oceanography
• Introduction to chemical oceanography
• Introduction to physical oceanography

Optional module from

• Applied and marine geophysics
• Biogeochemical cycles in the Earth system
• Coastal sediment dynamics
• Deep-sea ecology
• Introduction to remote sensing of the oceans
• Large-scale ocean processes
• Zooplankton ecology and processes

Semester 2

Core module

• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Two optional modules from

• Applied biogeochemistry and pollution
• Applied coastal sediment dynamics
• Climate dynamics
• Global climate cycles
• High-resolution marine geophysics

Entry requirements

• Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent