Applied Coastal & Marine Management

The MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management at University College Cork is a dynamic, interdisciplinary programme that equips students with the scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and policy insight needed to lead in the sustainable management of coastal and marine environments.



Delivered in collaboration with the cutting-edge Beaufort Building, Government and Industry speakers and the MaREI, the world-leading Research Ireland Centre Energy, Climate and Marine, this programme blends natural and social sciences to address real-world challenges in marine governance, conservation, and resource use. Students gain the professional competencies to make informed, strategic, and operational decisions that support the sustainable development of our ocean and coastal spaces.



A hallmark of the programme is its strong emphasis on applied, hands-on learning. Students are trained in advanced geospatial technologies, including GIS, remote sensing, and hydrographic survey techniques, with practical experience in data capture, analysis, and visualisation. These skills are complemented by training in scientific research methods, communication, and project management - ensuring graduates are workplace-ready.



The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics:



Coastal and marine governance, law, and spatial planning

Physical and biological processes shaping marine environments

Human impacts and natural hazards in coastal zones

Technical applications in marine data science and mapping



A unique feature of the programme is the at-sea training aboard Ireland’s state-of-the-art research vessel, the RV Tom Crean, where students gain first-hand experience in marine surveying and data collection in a professional research setting - at no additional cost.



Graduates leave with a deep understanding of the physical, ecological, and socio-economic dimensions of coastal and marine systems, and the tools to manage them sustainably - from local to global scales, with a particular focus on Ireland’s rich marine territory.



The programme consists of two parts:



Part I will consist of ten taught modules to the value of 60 credits involving lectures, practicals, seminars, and workshops.



Part II will be a substantial piece of independent research to the value of 30 credits (GG6514). Independent research projects can be carried out on the main university campus, through the Programme and other linked University Staff; or, with support from relevant Research Staff, within the commercially-focussed environment of the Beaufort laboratory in Ringaskiddy. Other commercial and practitioner placements with relevant coastal and marine-focussed industries, semi-state bodies and government will be considered, as appropriate to project proposals submitted by students.

Modules:

Part I (60 credits)

GG6501 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)

GG6502 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits)

GG6516 Coastal and Marine Processes (5 credits)

GG6532 Coastal and Marine Resource Use Practices (10 credits)

GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS (5 credits)

GG6538 Natural and Anthropogenic Coastal Hazards (10 credits)

GG6539 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance (5 credits)

GG6540 Applied Seafloor Mapping (10 credits)

NE6010 Offshore Wind Energy (5 credits)



Part II (30 credits)

GG6514 Research Dissertation in Applied Coastal and Marine Management (30 Credits)

Requirements

1. A primary degree to at least a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (180 ECTS credits or equivalent) from a recognized third-level institution, in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline. Applications will also be considered from graduates in other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.



2. A primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, as detailed in 1 above, plus at least 2 years' experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied) as approved by the Director of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management on a case by case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).



The selection committee for the MSc also attaches strong importance to the additional supplementary online questions - see How do I Apply below.



The programme Director and/or Programme Board must approve candidates. The number of places is limited and selection will be based on academic achievement, relevant work experience and a personal statement.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

1 year full-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management are in high demand across a range of sectors due to their technical proficiency, interdisciplinary training, and practical experience.



The programme is designed to support Cork’s role as a national and international hub for marine science and innovation. Our graduates are equipped with:



Advanced skills in GIS, remote sensing, and marine data analysis

Practical experience in hydrographic surveying and seafloor mapping

Strong understanding of marine governance, policy, and environmental law

Research and project management capabilities

Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills



Career opportunities span public, private, and non-governmental sectors, including:



Marine spatial planning and environmental consultancy

Coastal engineering and climate adaptation

Offshore renewable energy (e.g., wind, wave, tidal)

Fisheries and aquaculture management

Marine conservation and biodiversity protection

Port and harbour operations

Marine transport and logistics

Government agencies and international organisations



With high employment rates among recent graduates and strong industry engagement throughout the programme, students are well-positioned to launch impactful careers in Ireland and internationally.