Applied Coastal & Marine Management

Course Outline

Applied Coastal & Marine Management focuses on the science (including the social sciences) of Coastal and Marine management and policy-making today. Designed and presented in close collaboration with the state-of-the-art Beaufort Institute and the University’s Coastal and Marine Research Centre, the programme is designed to give our students professional competency to make sound, scientifically-informed, strategic, and operational decisions regarding sustainable governance, use and protection of coastal and marine environments.



In addition, our Applied Coastal & Marine Management programme also provides training in applied practical skills, with an emphasis on geospatial techniques relevant to coastal and marine data capture, analysis, integration, and visualisation. On this programme you will also receive training in important transferrable skills including principles and practice of scientific research, effective communication and presentation techniques, and sound project management



The MSc Applied Coastal & Marine Management degree offers a combination of theory, practice and technical skills relevant to the needs of environmentally sustainable coastal and marine governance.



Topics include different models of governance, marine spatial planning, and the basics of coastal and marine law; the physical functioning and key processes controlling coastal and marine environments; the biological components of coastal margins and the ecosystems they are part of, at varying spatial and temporal scales, and especially the interactions and exchanges between these; and the approaches available in coastal management and physical protection techniques. In addition, training will be provided in the application of core technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing and Earth observation, and hydrographic survey and mapping from ship-borne platforms.



A unique feature of the programme is that our students spend time at sea, onboard the Irish research vessel Celtic Voyager (or equivalent), at no additional cost, so that they may experience marine surveying and other techniques in a working research environment.



Upon successful completion of this programme, you will have a clear understanding of the theory, principles and concepts that underpin the management of coastal and marine spaces; will have practical skills to equip them for making policy, and for taking management-level decisions, regarding the strategic and operational use of coastal and marine spaces; will know how to work with coastal and marine data originating in a range of scientific disciplines (physics, biology, geology, oceanography, etc.); and will have a good scientific understanding of the physical, environmental and human processes that affect, and are impacted by, the world’s oceans. The frame of reference will range from the global to the local, but with particular emphasis on the sustainable development and management of Ireland’s coastal and marine territories and resources.



The programme consists of two parts:

- Part I will consist of eight 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: 8th September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

The programme aims to consolidate Cork’s position as a national, European and international hub of expertise in marine and coastal science and management.



Successful completion of the MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management should provide opportunities for a variety of professional careers at home and abroad, in the public, private and non-governmental sectors, including local and national government; civil engineering and coastal defence; renewable energy; petroleum and mineral exploration and development; environmental management; cultural heritage management; fisheries management and protection; aquaculture; the Defence forces; marine transport; marine spatial planning; town and country planning; port and harbour administration; etc.