Overview

The Marine Systems and Policies programme from The University of Edinburgh is built around the science and policies spanning tropical to polar ecosystems, from wetlands and estuaries to the deep-sea, including the abyss.

From the outset, you will learn how marine ecosystems are structured and how they function from research-active marine ecologists and oceanographers.

Career opportunities

Employers tell us that they seek candidates with real-world skills and an integrated understanding of marine ecosystems, development and planning, as well as regional and international policies.

Throughout the year, you will get the chance to gain practical skills, including field skills and computer skills. Some of the things you will get the opportunity to try include:

snorkelling

transects

species identification

coding in R

field habitat mapping

semi-structured interview techniques

using social science software, NVivo

This blend of expertise in marine planning and policies, combined with practical and computer skills, is highly desirable and transferable to many lines of employment.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Marine Ecosystems and Policies

Corals in a Changing Ocean

Marine Field Methods in Research and Practice

Sustainable Marine Development

Check out the full curriculum

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

More details

It is strongly recommended you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Marine Science View 278 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in natural sciences or social sciences, but with clear evidence of experience and interest in marine topics.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

40800 GBP / year

≈ 40800 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

18900 GBP / year

≈ 18900 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time fees

Home: £9,450

International/EU: £20,400

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Marine Systems and Policies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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