MSc Marine Conservation

University of Hull

The call to protect our oceans is urgent. At Hull, you join a programme designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to address today’s critical marine conservation challenges. Stand out to future employers by mastering not only marine ecology, biology and biodiversity principles but also the socio-economic and policy dimensions that shape marine conservation efforts worldwide.This course will help you gain hands-on experience with fieldwork, coastal site visits, and practical sessions at local facilities, including The Deep, where you’ll work directly with marine conservation experts.In this programme, you’ll dive into essential skills for marine conservation, such as designing biodiversity monitoring schemes for ocean ecosystems and assessing environmental threats to marine life. You’ll also explore the critical socio-political dimensions of conservation in coastal and ocean environments, exploring issues such as overfishing, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and emerging conservation challenges. This is expertise that employers in marine conservation urgently seek - positioning you miles ahead in your journey to a meaningful career in protecting our oceans.You’ll explore how marine conservation is influenced by human communities, uncovering the challenges posed by these interactions and their effects on aquatic health. Alongside this, you’ll examine the legal and policy structures at both national and global levels that govern and guide conservation practices across the world’s oceans.This course also covers industry level practical skills that you’ll use for the rest of your career. Our modules cover advanced data analysis and habitat monitoring, as well as practical marine conservation, where you’ll gain get hands-on experience. You’ll undertake multiple field trips to examine marine conservation problems and projects on our coastline, and learn from expertise in ex-situ conservation at The Deep, a local award winning aquarium with over 5,000 animals. You will be able to use our industry level facilities in the Marine Biology laboratory.Building on your advanced knowledge and research skills, you’ll undertake a large-scale project. With guidance, you’ll lead an individual research project or dissertation focused on a marine-related topic of your choice, with options to collaborate on ongoing research. Your project might involve creating a conservation plan for a specific marine species or habitat, analysing public opinion on a debated conservation issue, collecting ecological data to inform conservation action, or pursuing other areas of interest. This project allows you to shape your degree around your passion, equipping you with the experience needed to excel in your marine conservation career.