Coastal and Marine Resource Management – (M.Sc.)

Coastal locations are some of the most valued in the world. The seas and oceans can be used for communication and trade, for their biological resources and for water-based recreation. On the other hand, the sea can also be used to dump waste materials.

The juxtaposition of land and water creates additional complexity. While it is responsible for the richness of the environment, it is also associated with the hazards of erosion, landslides and flooding. Managing these risks further interferes with the natural systems of this highly dynamic environment.

It is clear that there is considerable conflict in the use of coastal and marine resources. All these uses affect both each other and the natural environments in which they operate. Many require land-based development, which is in competition with other uses seeking a coastal location. At the same time, coasts offer some of the finest views and richest ecosystems in the world and, increasingly, these natural features are demonstrating their vulnerability to human activities, sometimes to the extent that they are completely destroyed.

Coastal and marine resource management aims to conserve and sustain multiple use of the coastal zones, seas and oceans through the development of a coordinated strategy to allocate environmental, socio-cultural and institutional resources. It is a dynamic process.

The scale and complexity of problems, along with the expectation that there will be more people living in the coastal zone in 20 years time than are now living in the whole world, suggests that such coordinated strategies must be adopted very soon. It was in recognition of this imperative that this course was established.

Why study at Portsmouth?

The University's location on the south coast of England provides an ideal location for the study of costal and marine resource management. On our doorstep we have internationally important wildlife, high density urban development, world renowned maritime heritage, the busiest waterway in Britain and successful coastal management. The University's well-established research units in coastal and aquatic management also underpin the course.

This all provides for a stimulating and academically rigorous, interdisciplinary course, managed by the Faculty of Science and the Department of Geography.

The course can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years.