MSci Marine Sciences
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Sciences
- UCAS Course Code
- F711
- Entry Requirements
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
UEA is ranked 4th overall for research quality in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and contains a huge range of ecosystems, from deep sea hydrothermal vents through to shallow estuaries. It is also a critical component of the integrated Earth system, playing a key role in the moderation of our climate, both now and into the future. Far from being a static pool, the marine environment is a dynamic and inherently interdisciplinary system, with complex feedbacks between physical, chemical and biological processes.
If you’re fascinated by the marine environment, our Marine Sciences degree will take you on a journey through the global oceans, exploring the interconnected physical, biogeochemical and ecological systems. You’ll discover the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to human activity, consider how marine resources may be used sustainably, and investigate the critical role of the ocean in mitigating climate change.
You’ll be studying at the forefront of innovative research in marine science, climate and sustainability. In the 2021 Times Higher Education REF Analysis, the research quality from our School of Environmental Sciences was ranked 4th overall in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences.
What drives ocean currents? Why do phytoplankton bloom? How is ocean acidification linked to climate change? Where does all the plastic in the ocean go? How can marine energy be harnessed? If you’re fascinated by these sorts of questions, this is the degree for you.
During our Marine Sciences degree, you’ll explore the physical, biogeochemical and ecological systems that make the seas and oceans around the world such a rich and diverse environment. Throughout the course, you’ll develop a wide range of professional and transferable skills, such as analytical problem solving, computing, scientific communication and collaborative research. These skills are highly sought after by marine industry employers for careers in the blue economy, including offshore wind, marine renewables, shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, but also for education, research, environmental consulting and other professional occupations.
UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences is at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary marine and environmental research, and you’ll be taught by world-leading scientists in these fields. Through the Collaborative Centre for Sustainable use of the Seas, UEA has strong links with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), who advise industry and the UK government on marine science and policy. Cefas lecturers are embedded in many of our modules and provide further insight into real-world applications of marine science.
The seas and oceans around the world must be effectively managed to ensure sustainable use of marine resources into the future. This requires an overarching understanding of all the interconnected marine systems and UEA’s Marine Science degree will put you in the unique position to be part of the solution.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll be introduced to the general scientific principles that govern the marine environment and the wider Earth system. You’ll develop your technical skills in compulsory modules and learn essential mathematical techniques in mathematics/quantitative skills modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll typically spend 15-18 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or laboratory. In the lectures, you’ll learn essential analytical and critical skills, explore the processes that drive the marine system, and discover how they interact with the rest of the Earth system to shape our climate. The lectures will be supported by related practical classes or seminar sessions; these will allow you to scrutinise the lecture material and deepen your understanding. Field courses will be integral to your training, and you’ll learn a variety of practical techniques using specialist equipment in the field. In your third and fourth years, contact hours decrease to allow for more independent research and study.
Independent study
You’ll research around the core content of your chosen modules to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. This independent study will be facilitated by UEA’s state-of-the-art library, which has extensive physical and online resources. During your third and fourth years, you’ll spend one third of your time undertaking an independent research project. You’ll receive one-to-one support from an academic supervisor during this period of self-directed study.
Assessment
Across the four years, we’ll use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Assessment methods include examinations, essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations and posters. We use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Feedback
You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills and improve your performance at assessment. In the School of Environmental Sciences, we aim to return feedback within 10 working days of the assessment deadline.
Structure
With a solid foundation built, you now have a choice of which direction to take your studies. You can choose to follow one of the suggested pathways or enjoy the freedom to tailor your course around your own interests. Either way, you’ll take at least three key marine science modules. These are complemented by a choice of modules from across the breadth of Environmental Science and the Schools of Mathematics, Engineering and Biology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll typically spend 15-18 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or laboratory. In the lectures, you’ll learn essential analytical and critical skills, explore the processes that drive the marine system, and discover how they interact with the rest of the Earth system to shape our climate. The lectures will be supported by related practical classes or seminar sessions; these will allow you to scrutinise the lecture material and deepen your understanding. Field courses will be integral to your training, and you’ll learn a variety of practical techniques using specialist equipment in the field. In your third and fourth years, contact hours decrease to allow for more independent research and study.
Independent study
You’ll research around the core content of your chosen modules to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. This independent study will be facilitated by UEA’s state-of-the-art library, which has extensive physical and online resources. During your third and fourth years, you’ll spend one third of your time undertaking an independent research project. You’ll receive one-to-one support from an academic supervisor during this period of self-directed study.
Assessment
Across the four years, we’ll use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Assessment methods include examinations, essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations and posters. We use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Feedback
You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills and improve your performance at assessment. In the School of Environmental Sciences, we aim to return feedback within 10 working days of the assessment deadline.
Structure
During your third-year Independent Project, you’ll develop your independent research skills by investigating a specialist topic in marine sciences, with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor. Alongside this, you’ll take at least one key marine science module as well as a choice of complementary modules from across the breadth of Environmental Science and the Schools of Mathematics and Biology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll typically spend 15-18 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or laboratory. In the lectures, you’ll learn essential analytical and critical skills, explore the processes that drive the marine system, and discover how they interact with the rest of the Earth system to shape our climate. The lectures will be supported by related practical classes or seminar sessions; these will allow you to scrutinise the lecture material and deepen your understanding. Field courses will be integral to your training, and you’ll learn a variety of practical techniques using specialist equipment in the field. In your third and fourth years, contact hours decrease to allow for more independent research and study.
Independent study
You’ll research around the core content of your chosen modules to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. This independent study will be facilitated by UEA’s state-of-the-art library, which has extensive physical and online resources. During your third and fourth years, you’ll spend one third of your time undertaking an independent research project. You’ll receive one-to-one support from an academic supervisor during this period of self-directed study.
Assessment
Across the four years, we’ll use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Assessment methods include examinations, essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations and posters. We use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Feedback
You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills and improve your performance at assessment. In the School of Environmental Sciences, we aim to return feedback within 10 working days of the assessment deadline.
Structure
During your fourth year, you’ll undertake a substantial piece of independent research in a specialist topic that matches your interests. During this larger Research Training Project, you’ll build upon the research skills that you developed during your third year and investigate a new topic in even greater depth. Alongside this, you’ll take three complementary master's level modules from across the breadth of Environmental Science and the Schools of Mathematics, Engineering and Biology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll typically spend 15-18 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or laboratory. In the lectures, you’ll learn essential analytical and critical skills, explore the processes that drive the marine system, and discover how they interact with the rest of the Earth system to shape our climate. The lectures will be supported by related practical classes or seminar sessions; these will allow you to scrutinise the lecture material and deepen your understanding. Field courses will be integral to your training, and you’ll learn a variety of practical techniques using specialist equipment in the field. In your third and fourth years, contact hours decrease to allow for more independent research and study.
Independent study
You’ll research around the core content of your chosen modules to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. This independent study will be facilitated by UEA’s state-of-the-art library, which has extensive physical and online resources. During your third and fourth years, you’ll spend one third of your time undertaking an independent research project. You’ll receive one-to-one support from an academic supervisor during this period of self-directed study.
Assessment
Across the four years, we’ll use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Assessment methods include examinations, essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations and posters. We use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Feedback
You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills and improve your performance at assessment. In the School of Environmental Sciences, we aim to return feedback within 10 working days of the assessment deadline.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including one from Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Science.
- BTEC
- DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA including grade A in Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics, Geography, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 including HL5 in Geography, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-Level to include either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
After graduating, you’ll have gained a unique skillset to take into a range of specialist marine and environmental careers. Our recent graduates work at the UK Met Office, British Antarctic Survey and Cefas. Alternatively, you might decide to continue your studies with an MSc or apply your research skills to a PhD.
Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career and skills throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you meet employers (including alumni), explore career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and graduate jobs.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Offshore wind and marine renewables
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Metocean forecasting
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Benthic surveying and habitat assessment
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Fisheries and aquaculture
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Environmental consulting
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Government and university research
Discover more on our careers webpages and check out some of our recent graduate destinations.