find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
University of Essex: Tropical Marine Biology
Institution | University of Essex View institution profile |
---|---|
Department | Life Sciences |
Web | essex.ac.uk |
pgadmit@essex.ac.uk | |
Telephone | 01206 872719 |
Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Coral reefs are the most species-rich marine habitats, and also among the most threatened. Rapid global change has the potential to cause significant harm to these unique ecosystems and impact the local and global resources they provide.
By studying MSc Tropical Marine Biology with in our School of Life Sciences you will enjoy a unique training experience, designed to provide you with the specific tools to study and protect fragile marine systems.
Our multidisciplinary course is delivered entirely by research-active academics who are among the leaders of their respective disciplines. Advanced theory in tropical marine biology is complemented by practical skills training in quantitative methods, data analytics, field survey techniques and a comprehensive range of the practical and professional skills required by today’s employers.
During a field trip to Indonesia you can put theory into practice by studying coral reef conservation in action (subsidised, with a variable element to be paid by the student). Or, we can help you to identify your ideal work placement or equivalent project in the UK.
Our MSc Tropical Marine Biology course will introduce you to the unique resources found in tropical oceans through modules focusing on:
- The biotechnological ‘treasure chest’ of marine microbes, algae and invertebrates. What processes underpin a healthy marine ecosystem? How can we use microbes to clean up pollution and make new eco-friendly materials from aquaculture waste?
- Quantitative analysis of ecological processes in the tropical oceans, from seagrass beds and mangroves to coral reefs and artificial communities growing on man-made structures. How do you measure and compare populations and communities?
- Coral reef resource management and conservation. How can local communities protect coral reefs while practising traditional activities and sustainably harvesting food?
In addition to taught modules covering these topics and more, you will embark on an extensive research project under the supervision of an expert at the forefront of their field. You will have the freedom to choose the subject of your project, which can be conducted in field, within our new aquatic biology research facility, in a working academic research laboratory on campus or alongside one of our research partners across the globe. The project is your chance to develop the specific experience that you will need to go into employment generating ecological survey data, prospecting for pharmaceuticals, practising data analytics, GIS mapping or directing environmental policy.
Level | RQF Level 7 |
---|---|
Entry requirements | Entry requirements for this course can be found on the course finder on the University of Essex website – www.essex.ac.uk |
Location | Colchester Campus University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ |
Fees
England | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
---|---|
Northern Ireland | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
Scotland | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
Wales | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
Channel Islands | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
EU | 21350 GBP for Year 1 |
International | 21350 GBP for Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | 21350 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Tropical ecosystems provide important resources locally and globally, and coral reefs are the most diverse of marine ecosystems threatened by human activities.
Our unique multidisciplinary course, MSc Tropical Marine Biology, is designed to deliver advanced tropical marine biology theory and to facilitate the development of a comprehensive range of practical and professional skills required by today’s employers.
As a student of our School you will benefit from the breadth of research carried out by our internationally recognised academics, and will engage with current research activities both in the UK and abroad. You also have the opportunity to put theory into practice and study coral reef conservation first hand during the School’s annual field trip to Wakatobi Marine National Park, Indonesia. Please note that students who join this optional expedition are subject to additional travel costs – the fee for field trips vary from year to year.
Explore topics including:
- Hands-on experience of coral reef conservation on our pioneering underwater lectures in Indonesia
- The biotechnological ‘treasure chest’ of marine microbes, algae and invertebrates
- Tropical oceans, seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs
- Coral reef resource management
During the summer term, you will embark on your own extensive research project under the supervision of researchers at the forefront of their fields. This can be conducted within our in-house Coral Reef Research Unit, or alongside one of our research partners from across the globe, addressing key questions on the functioning of and threats to tropical marine ecosystems.
Level | RQF Level 7 |
---|---|
Entry requirements | Entry requirements for this course can be found on the course finder on the University of Essex website – www.essex.ac.uk |
Location | Colchester Campus University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ |
Fees
England | 10480 GBP for Year 1 |
---|---|
Northern Ireland | 10480 GBP for Year 1 |
Scotland | 10480 GBP for Year 1 |
Wales | 10480 GBP for Year 1 |
Channel Islands | 10480 GBP for Year 1 |
EU | 20350 GBP for Year 1 |
International | 20350 GBP for Year 1 |

University of Essex
Impatient for change? Join the University of Essex, one of the top 40 in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2023).
As an Essex postgraduate you’ll have the freedom to challenge, ask the difficult questions and take intellectual risk. You’re taught and supported by world-leading academics in our research-intensive environment that will enable you to make a difference. You’ll be among Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, astronauts and over 75,000 other alumni who have gone on to shape the world.
Research quality
We’re dedicated to delivering high-impact research. Our pioneering work continues to change the world …
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Science, Biology, Hydrobiology, Marine biology or Tropical biology, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Scholarship Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you a PG student at this University or have you applied to study a postgraduate program at a university in Europe? Tell us your plans and qualify for a £500.00 PGS Scholarship.
Click here