MSc Marine Conservation at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

MSc Marine Conservation focuses on marine conservation in practice and is delivered in partnership with regional, national and international conservation practitioners. It integrates natural and social science, and students can undertake a 60-credit masters project embedded within partner organisations. The programme has no exams.

Faculty: School of Biological and Marine Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Managing Marine Ecosystems, Marine Conservation Practice, Marine Conservation Theory, Small Population Conservation, Climate Change: Science and Policy, a School postgraduate methods module and a 60-credit MSc Dissertation.

Career pathways

Students can follow policy and advocacy or practice-oriented career paths. The department reports that over 90% of graduates obtain a job in the marine conservation sector within a year of graduating.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An honours degree at a good 2:1 (65% or above), primarily in a biological, marine or environmental science subject. Well-qualified graduates from other disciplines with relevant experience or interests are also considered. Instead of a standard personal statement, applicants provide a short written piece on pressing marine conservation priorities and their motivation, plus a CV. English language: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all elements.

Domestic applicants: GBP 12,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

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

Duration: 1 year

Engineering