Integrated PhD Tropical Marine Biology at University of Essex

Programme overview

Integrated PhD in Tropical Marine Biology for applicants without a Masters degree or with little research training: a first year of Masters-level study of tropical marine biology, including coral reef conservation on the school's annual field trip to the Wakatobi Marine National Park, is followed by a full-time PhD.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 4-5 years full-time (first year Masters-level, then a 3-4 year PhD) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 (Masters level): Research Project: MSc Tropical Marine Biology (60 credits), Tropical Marine Systems (15), Methods in Marine Biology, Marine Resources, Advanced Research Skills in Marine Sciences, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Postgraduate Professional Skills, and a choice of one of BS710-7-AP, BS711-7-AP or BS720-7-SP. Research years follow as the PhD.

Career pathways

Graduates continue into doctoral positions in the UK and overseas or work with governmental and non-governmental organisations, environmental agencies, consultancies and voluntary organisations; career development is supported by a mentoring scheme and employability events.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject such as Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences or Tropical Biology, with some ecology content (aquatic/marine ecology, biodiversity or conservation). Applicants below a 2:2 are considered depending on relevant professional or voluntary experience, previous modules studied and/or personal statement. International applicants: IELTS 6.5, or equivalent, with at least 5.5 in all other components. Research degrees have no application deadline; applicants are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator and to submit a brief research proposal before applying. Applications are normally answered within four weeks.

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 4-5 years full-time (first year Masters-level, then a 3-4 year PhD)

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