A one-year Masters course in Marine Biology is run jointly by the MBA and the University of Plymouth. The course started in 2003-4, has places for about 15 students, and runs from September to September.
This programme is intended to reflect the breadth and excitement of marine biology through its close linkage with the diverse research pursuits of a range of leading scientists in one of the world’s foremost locations for marine studies.
The programme aims to broaden the existing skills of marine biology graduates, but also to offer graduates in other relevant disciplines the necessary training for them to apply and develop their particular skills in a marine context. A graduate of this programme is therefore significantly better prepared than a typical bachelors graduate for a career in academic marine research or for working independently within a company or governmental organisation.
The MRes programme can be a springboard for a career in academic research, typically through a PhD. It also offers a range of relevant experiences to enable students to progress to careers in the public and private sectors. Work opportunities exist for trained marine biologists in the UK and elsewhere with regulatory bodies and government agencies, conservation organisations and environmental consultancies, as well as in aquaculture and fisheries management.
Part of the philosophy of the programme team is to involve masters students directly with our own research groups, providing experience that will be exceptionally beneficial for anyone wanting to continue to PhD and beyond.
A good degree (2:1 or above) preferably in a biological science. Other suitable degrees may be considered. For overseas students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
For overseas students: proficiency in English to British Council standards is required:
IELTS 6.5 (including 5.5 in writing)
577 TOEFL paper based (including a minimum of 59 in writing)
90-91 TOEFL internet based (including a minimum of 25 in writing)
1 year full time (part-time study over 2 years may be possible).
The Marine Biological Association
Dr Richard Pipe
The Laboratory
Citadel Hill
Plymouth
PL1 2PB
Tel: +44 (0)1752 633207
Postgraduate Admissions
Faculty of Science and Technology
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth PL4 8AA
United Kingdom
science.technology@plymouth.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1752 584584
Information about fees and scholarships
University of Plymouth graduates and alumni may be entitled to a discount on course fees
Core modules in period one (before Christmas), delivered by both the University and the Marine Biological Association (MBA), concentrate on providing you with general research skills, plus an introduction to the research and workings of the MBA. You can choose to follow one of two routes, each having their own suite of modules additional to the core modules. The biodiversity and ecology route includes additional training in the design of ecological experiments, the collection and analysis of ecological data, and issues and policies relating to marine conservation. The alternative molecular and cellular pathway has a specific module focusing on DNA techniques, biological imaging and electrophysiological methods. You can then choose two option modules from a relevant selection.
In periods two and three (January to September) there is one module on project planning, but the majority of the time is spent on your research project and dissertation. You will have the opportunity when carrying out your project to work directly with research staff at the MBA and Plymouth University, although it is also possible to work with other collaborating institutions within the Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, National Marine Aquarium), or abroad.
Period 1
Periods 2 and 3
Assessment is 100% by coursework.