Overview
The world’s oceans and their ecosystems have never been under as much pressure as they are today.
We designed this programme for anyone who wants to make a difference and improve our oceans. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to make the positive change required to improve the outlook of the oceans.
Our research-active staff ensure our curriculum is globally relevant and cutting-edge. You’ll improve your practical, professional, and research skills so that you’re ready for the next step in your career.
This degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in marine management and sustainability. You’ll graduate as a skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, and well-connected professional.
We welcome applications from diverse disciplines. This course is perfect for anyone passionate about:
- marine ecosystems
- conservation
- coastal communities
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MSc – Master of Science
An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:
- subject-specific taught modules
- a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words
You’ll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.
A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll learn
You’ll study five core modules during the first two semesters. These modules will prepare you for independent research in semester three.
Research project
In your third semester, you’ll complete a four-month research project. The project will be linked to one of our marine science research groups.
With the support of a supervisor, you’ll work with one of our UK or international partner organisations.Your project can align with your research interests and career goals.
Together, you’ll:
- co-develop a proposal
- conduct the research over the summer
- produce a dissertation report
Some previous projects have focussed on:
- structural and functional integrity of ecosystems
- biological and socio-economic drivers of ecosystem change
- governance and management of resource use
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical sessions
- personal supervision
- independent study
You’ll split your time between the University’s city-centre campus, the Dove Marine Laboratory, and the Princess Royal research vessel.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Report
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
We have strong links with a wide network of national and international marine organisations. These partnerships have been fostered over decades of working with and in the marine sector.
Our students have worked with a variety of organisations on their research projects.
- Major international consultancies: AMEC, ERM, Natural Power, Vatenfall
- National government agencies: Natural England, MMO, Environment Agency, Association of IFCAs, Cefas, Defra
- Local managers: Durham Heritage Coast, NIFCA, NEIFCA
- European projects: C-Scope
- Local niche consultancies: CTL Consult, Envision Mapping, Environment Systems
- Conservation NGOs: Oceana
Research skills
Join a welcoming marine science research community. You’ll develop your research skills with support from our post-doctoral scientists, technicians, and academic staff.
Our marine science research groups are part of extensive national and international networks. Recent partnerships and collaborations include:
- Environment Agency
- Natural England
- Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
- University of the West Indies (Barbados)
- National Oceanographic Centre Southampton (NOCS)
- University of Costa Rica
- North Sea Regional Advisory Council
- Haribon Foundation
- Oceana
- UK Hydrographic Office
Your future
Gain the professional, research and practical skills you need to progress your career in industry or academia. This programme will prepare you for a career in a range of industries, including:
- academia
- government agencies
- non-governmental organisations
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Earth and Marine Sciences – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Ranked 56th in the world and 19th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
Professional accreditation and recognition
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
Our course is accredited by Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), the first Institute to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body.
Our accreditation gives you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Our location offers the perfect setting to study marine conservation and sustainability.
With the UK coastline on our doorstep, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out of the classroom and gain hands-on experience.
You’ll also have access to the University’s Dove Marine Laboratory and our research vessel, The Princess Royal.
Dove Marine Laboratory
Facilities at the Dove Marine Lab include:
- deep water tanks, with a water depth of 3m
- main aquarium for large-scale experiments
- five experimental cabinets for smaller tank experiments
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject, or an international equivalent. You also need three to six months’ relevant practical experience.
You will also be considered on an individual basis if you have non-standard qualifications and/or relevant practical experience.
