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2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Applied Coastal and Marine Management

Course Fact File

Code	MSCCMM
Duration	1 Year Full-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
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.
Credits	90
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

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)
• GG6541 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Processes (5 credits) 
• GG6532 Coastal and Marine Resource Use Practices (10 credits)
• GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS (5 credits)
• GG6547 Natural and Anthropogenic Coastal Hazards (5 credits)
• GG6539 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance (5 credits)
• GG6540 Applied Seafloor Mapping (10 credits)
• NE6010 Offshore Wind Energy (5 credits)
• GG6504 Digital Image Processing (5 credits) 

Part II (30 credits)

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

Course Practicalities

The programme presents a full-time day course of study (Monday to Friday), with delivery through an integrated combination of methods including lectures, seminars and workshops; ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ laboratory work; computer-based exercises; private study; field work (onshore and also at sea); and an independent supervised research project.

As part of the development of their thesis, students will be offered placements in the state-of-the-art Beaufort laboratory with direct access to academic and research staff. This should assist students in producing robust research as well as an appreciation of working in an active research environment. 

Assessment will be through a combination of coursework (including laboratory, computer and field-based work), written exams and submission of an independently-conducted research dissertation. The proportion of marks assigned to each of these components will vary between modules

Teaching Staff

Teaching on the course will be overseen by academic staff from the departments of Geography, Civil Engineering and Biology, with support and specialist inputs from researchers at the university’s state-of-the-art Beaufort Laboratory. Visiting academics, and practicing coastal or marine scientists and managers from the private and public sectors, will be invited to give one-off seminars according to their availability.

Geography

• Dr Kieran Hickey
• Dr Aaron Lim
• Dr Fiona Cawkwell
• Dr Paul Holloway

Engineering

• Dr Jimmy Murphy
• Dr Paul Leahy

Industry & Government

• Dr Jared Peters – Head of Geo Division at Green Rebel
• Tom Murphy, CEng, PMP, MSc, BE – Major Infrastructure Project Management
• Dr Debbi Pedreschi – Fisheries Scientist
• Mirella Verhage, Deputy Country Manager, Offshore Wind Consultants
• Industry Advisory Board Member

Why Choose This Course

• Ireland’s only MSc focused on applied coastal and marine management, combining science, policy, and technology in a single, future-focused programme. 
• Immersive learning experience that integrates classroom, lab, computer-based, and ship-based training - including time aboard the RV Tom Crean. 
• Balanced curriculum covering governance, environmental science, and technical skills such as GIS, remote sensing, and hydrographic surveying. 
• Designed to address the growing global demand for professionals who can manage marine resources sustainably and support the blue economy. 
• Real-world relevance: students engage with current issues such as offshore renewable energy, marine spatial planning, and climate resilience. 
• Research-led teaching and access to world-class facilities at the Beaufort Institute and UCC’s Geography Department. 
• Independent research project in Part II allows students to specialise in a topic of their choice, supported by expert supervision and access to advanced equipment. 
• Frequent interaction with industry professionals and guest speakers, providing valuable networking opportunities and insights into career pathways. 

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. 

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.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please enter the names and email addresses of two referees. 

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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