Marine Resource Management (MRM) MSc

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Orkney
  • Entry date:
  • September

Overview

The MSc in Marine Resource Management (MRM) is delivered by the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), at Heriot Watt University’s Orkney campus. ICIT has conducted postgraduate teaching and research in Orkney since 1998.

As man increases his demands upon the oceans, their sustainable development will depend on a rational management strategy for the total resource.

The professional working in the marine environment is constantly required to be multidisciplinary, and able to appreciate the conflicts that arise between conservation and development.

The MRM programme considers the sustainable development, use, conservation and management of marine resources.

Core themes include

  • Marine environmental systems.
  • Resource management and conservation.
  • Valuation and project management.

The MRM course aims to provide students with broadly based expertise in the management of marine and coastal resources including, but not limited to, fisheries and bioresources, and oil and gas. It is designed to enable graduates and professionals from a variety of backgrounds to extend their skills and knowledge to encompass the sustainable development, use, conservation and general management of marine resources. Locating in Orkney gives unique insights into marine resources and their management including marine renewable energy, conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, oil & gas.

Programme duration

This programme is available on a full time (12 months) or part time basis. Single courses may be available as part of the Continuing Education Program of short courses.

The full time programme starts in September of each year. There are 2 semesters, each of 12 weeks duration during which the main classroom work is taught. This is supplemented with field visits. During April - September students are engaged on individual research dissertations.

Programme content

The 12 months full-time MSc programme is based on the successful completion of eight core courses, two optional courses and a  dissertation. Exemption pathways are available for students who can demonstrate existing subject expertise.  Courses are assessed by a combination of examination and assignments.

Courses

  • Oceanography – the fundamentals of oceanography and ocean systems
  • Marine Biology and Ecology – the fundamentals of marine biology
  • Resource Development I – the international law of the sea, property rights and sea-users
  • Resource Development II – industrial users and exploitation of the coastal zone; waste and pollution; conflicts.
  • Environmental Policy and Risk – the framework and principles of environmental law and policy; techniques and constraints in environmental assessment
  • Sustainability, Conservation, and Resource Management – the sustainable development and management of marine resources; the practical implementation of marine development and conservation projects
  • Development Appraisal - the planning system; practical tools for project appraisal; investment appraisal techniques
  • Development Project - the development process from initial project development, conceptual design and feasibility to project implementation and management

Dissertation

An individual research project with supervisor support which provides the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest.

Entry requirements

For MSc level entry, students must hold a good degree in or a relevant discipline (eg life sciences, engineering, environmental studies, business studies, surveying) from a UK or Overseas University. In addition to the academic qualifications, motivation, industrial experience and personality are taken into consideration.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

All course costs are covered by the tuition fee. This includes full print and electronic versions of the course notes, core text books, a tablet PC (all IPE students are currently provided with a free iPad), field trips and any day trips arranged as part of the course.
Students should budget additional funds sufficient to cover living expenses such as accommodation, travel to and from the university, food, clothing and leisure pursuits.

Scholarships & bursaries