MRes Applied Marine Science at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

This programme blends scientific training with practical marine experience, covering coastal processes, environmental pressures and marine resource management. Students learn from active research groups and use facilities such as the Marine Station and the research vessel RV Falcon Spirit. The MRes is weighted towards a research project and dissertation defended by viva voce.

Duration: 1 year full-time; part-time route available | Study mode: full-time, part-time route available | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Marine Science, Management of Coastal Environments, the SoBMS Postgraduate Methods Module and a 120-credit MRes Dissertation. Period one covers research training and a multidisciplinary overview of marine science; periods two and three are spent on the research project, which can be carried out with external bodies in the UK and abroad, with a field week at sea and in the lab.

Career pathways

Graduates work in governments, environmental agencies and marine consultancies; employers of graduates include the British Antarctic Survey, Greenpeace, the Marine Biological Association and the UK Meteorological Office.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent, preferably in a science or engineering subject; workplace experience may be accepted where there are no recent formal qualifications. Application requires evidence of qualifications, a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words, a CV and proof of sponsorship if applicable; two references or an interview may be requested. Minimum IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 21,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 1 year

Engineering