Description
Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MSc Marine and Coastal Sustainability
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Marine and Coastal Sustainability | Programme code | PTS1GOAGOACC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme offers you an opportunity to study the complex interactions between people and the marine environment through an integrated approach. It places social science perspectives at the centre of an interdisciplinary programme addressing marine and coastal sustainability challenges. Oceans, seas and coasts represent a new frontier for sustainability science and are increasingly recognised as central to global sustainable development. Growing demand for marine resources, momentum towards a ‘blue economy’, and the increasing vulnerability of coastal populations in the face of climate change present major challenges. This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle these pressing issues through training in marine social and environmental science.
The core modules of the programme examine the interlinked nature of social and ecological systems, considering the role of marine resources in contributing to people’s wellbeing and livelihoods, how people contribute to and are impacted by environmental change, and the potential synergies and trade-offs in balancing social and environmental sustainability objectives. A range of optional modules will enable you to draw on other disciplines to gain an in-depth understanding of the ecology of marine and coastal systems, the science underpinning their management and conservation, and the role of marine and coastal systems in supporting human health.
The programme provides you with a practical and problem-based approach to learning. It draws on cutting edge research from multiple disciplines including geography, environmental science, ecology and health sciences, in a location surrounded by coastal and marine biodiversity. Our low-carbon field course gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills and to explore the sustainability dilemmas facing coastal communities. Training in research skills and transdisciplinary methods will prepare you for a wide range of careers in NGOs, conservation and resource management agencies, sustainability consultancy, government, and academic research.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme is designed to train the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers and practitioners to respond to the emerging marine and coastal sustainability agenda. It offers a thorough grounding in the principles that underlie sustainability and the means by which to implement these in a range of international marine and coastal settings.
The educational aims of the programme are to:
- Provide you with a holistic perspective on marine and coastal sustainability challenges across a range of international contexts;
- Enable you to make links across disciplinary boundaries and professional sectors within marine and coastal sustainability, as well as related areas of climate change, human geography, ecology and environmental science, that seek to make explicit the cross-cutting nature of sustainability issues;
- Develop a rigorous theoretical grounding in the principles of sustainability and key concepts used to understand human interactions with the marine environment, and to assist you in appreciating the diverse debates concerning both the definition and measurement of sustainable development;
- Develop a practice-based learning approach using a range of methods, such as field-based learning, contact with professionals during contact hours and through project and community-based assessments;
- Provide a vibrant learning environment, which combines traditional forms of delivery (lectures, seminars and tutorials) with practice-based learning (fieldwork, guest expert speakers and linked project work);
- Assist you to make professional contacts with potential employers and develop your career path through both mixing with fellow students and also through contacts made during the programme.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://geography.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/
http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/current/
http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/programme/modules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
a GEO3470 is a non-requisite for GEOM418 – if students have taken this at UG they should instead take an extra 15 credits from modules listed under note b.
b Choose at least one of the following: BIOM4040, BIOM4050 and GEOM424.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM409 | Dissertation | 90 | Yes |
| GEOM408 | Transdisciplinary Methods for Sustainability Science | 15 | No |
| GEOM418 | Marine and Coastal Social-ecological systems [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| GEOM419 | Research Design in the Field | 15 | No |
| CGE MSc MCS comp 2023-4 [See note b above] | |||
| BIOM4040 | Fisheries Management | 15 | No |
| BIOM4050 | Marine Protected Areas | 15 | No |
| GEOM424 | Governing the Seas in a Changing World | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM407 | Perspectives on Sustainable Development | 15 | No |
| HPDM029Z | Nature, Health and Wellbeing | 15 | No |
| GEOM403 | Independent Work-based Learning | 15 | No |
| BIOM4025 | Statistical Modelling | 15 | No |
| SOCM044 | Food and Sustainability: Economy, Society and Environment | 15 | No |
| BIOM4033 | Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Compare and contrast the key principles and perspectives informing marine and coastal sustainability challenges in an international context | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, podcasts or videos, practical and field skills, independent reading and synthesis. | ILOs 1-8: Dissertation module assessed via research proposal, literature review and main dissertation report, all containing relevant subject-specific context and content, data handling and evidence of primary research. ILOs 1-6: Non-dissertation modules assess subject specific skills using a range of assessment methods, including: policy briefs; essays; reflective writing; presentations; posters; and discussion groups. ILO 7: Assessed explicitly through the 90 credit Dissertation module. ILO 8: Research training module contains assessment of data handling skills. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. Demonstrate a cross-disciplinary approach to learning | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, podcasts or videos, practical and field skills, independent reading and synthesis. | ILOs 9-14: Dissertation module assessed via proposal, literature review and main dissertation report, all containing relevant core skills and knowledge. ILOs 9-11: Non-dissertation modules assess subject specific skills using a mixture of assessments including: policy briefs; essays; reflective writing; presentations; posters; and discussion groups ILO 12-13: All modules contain interdisciplinary emphasis and multi-method awareness in assessments. Scholarly rigour and ethical awareness are also promoted in all modules. Explicitly assessed during dissertation and research training modules. ILO 14: Dissertation and research training modules assess self-reflection; other modules contain reflective group discussions. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
15. Write and communicate orally subject-based knowledge and academic and research skills effectively | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations, podcasts or videos, practical and field skills, independent reading and synthesis | ILOs 15-18, 20: Assessments in all modules designed to promote transferable skills, e.g. report writing, presentations, focus groups, posters. ILO 19: Several modules include assessment of group work in form of group discussions, group presentations, student led seminars or group projects. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be located in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES), Penryn campus, where close working relationships are fostered. The programme is located in the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science (CGES), but core modules will also be taught by staff from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC). The programme is connected to the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) on Penryn Campus, offering the opportunity to connect with other students across a number of sustainability-themed Masters programmes, and to access the cutting edge research of academic staff in the ESI. You can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through appointments and will in addition receive formative feedback from various discussion groups/in-lecture exercises throughout the delivery of each module. Project supervisors provide academic and tutorial support once students move on to the research (Dissertation) component of the course. In addition, the Programme Director will offer every student a meeting each term with an academic who provides guidance and feedback on assessment performance. Student progress will be monitored and you can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(University's TQA Manual for details.
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Marine and Coastal Sustainability
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 28/10/2021 |
Date of last revision | 11/08/2023 |
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