MSc International Marine Science

Detailed degree guide

Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills

Understanding:

• Critical understanding of the theory of marine science.
• An understanding of the multiple users and uses of the marine environment.
• An understanding of the legislative regime in the marine environment.
• An understanding of how to approach and plan research, keep accurate records and present the results.

Knowledge:

• A detailed knowledge of marine resources and their sustainable exploitation.
• How to use this theoretical knowledge in practical applications.
• Knowledge of Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Knowledge and understanding of policy, legal, ethical and health and safety issues of concern in the marine environment

Cognitive Skills:

• Develop critical skills in research data evaluation.
• Develop critical skills in research data presentation.

Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research Informed Learning)

• Develop critical skills in research data evaluation.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of a range of research skills and methods for investigating current issues in marine science, culminating in an ability to conduct independent research and improving the ability to solve these problems.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The programme aims to teach students the theoretical aspects of marine science through formal lectures, tutorials, and individual and group assignments. 

Students are able to select from the courses offered at Edinburgh and Orkney (and within 3-5 years also Malaysia and Dubai) to encourage them to develop an awareness of policy, management, environmental, technical and ethical issues in these disciplines. The programme will also be available in mixed-mode delivery, comprising on-campus (including campus transfers and blocked practical sessions) and online teaching (live and/or recorded lectures). 

The practical project courses will use examples of real case studies (e.g. all teaching staff are research active and dissertations are embedded in existing research groups) and introduce students to a range of methods techniques studied in their theory courses. Students will learn how to develop and assess their research ideas and critically evaluate their data. Students will produce a range of different outputs over the duration of the programme and learn to develop their presentation and communication skills through group discussion and presentations to fellow students and staff. The research project, commencing in Semester 2/3 and extending over the summer, will bring together the knowledge and skills obtained in Semesters 1 and 2, culminating in the production of a dissertation.

Assessment Policies

The assessment policy for the programme incorporates a range of assessment types. There is a strong emphasis on formative assessment to provide feedback on student performance and is used to inform further development. Continuous assessment during courses and summative assessment at the conclusion of the theory courses both contribute to the overall assessment and are used to measure formal achievement in specified learning outcomes. 

Understanding, knowledge and subject-specific skills are assessed by a variety of means such as coursework assignments, group and individual project work and presentations.  Personal abilities are reviewed by interviews based on individual personal development portfolios, self-assessment, performance review sessions and appraisal interviews which provide feedback on performance and assessment.  Approaches to assessment are continually reviewed. Specific details about methods of assessment are provided in the individual course descriptors.