Course description
The world’s diverse coastal environments are increasingly threatened by the extraordinary challenges of human resource exploitation,
infrastructure development and climate change. Many European coastlines are suffering from environmental, socio-economic and cultural resource degradation, and require active planning and management to ensure the sustainable development and mitigation of past practices. In the UK, coastal planning and management is at
the forefront of environmental policy.
As pressures on the coast intensify, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can address these challenges. This course will equip
you with a wide range of knowledge that addresses coastal planning and management principles, the generation and provision of renewable energy. Graduates will gain practical skills vital for modern environmental managers, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), public
communication of science, and planning control and environmental protection. Newly revised and updated, this Masters degree provides you
with a springboard from which to gain employment in the burgeoning integrated coastal zone management employment market.
Course Content
The degree focuses on the latest policy innovations and planning developments on a European scale and within national government
frameworks. Emphasis is on an applied approach to develop students’ potential employability. In addition to the opportunity to undertake a
work placement candidates will also complete an independent research project to develop specialist knowledge and practice. Students can undertake a scientific diving course, either locally or in a tropical location (for an additional fee).
Subjects studied may include:
* The Relevance of the History, Theories, Concepts and Policies of Integrated Coastal Zone Management
* Current UK Coastal Planning Initiatives
* Flood Management and Spatial Marine Planning Issues
* Planning Controls and Environmental Protection
* GIS and its Social Applications
* Renewable Energies in Marine Environments
* Tropical Field Ecology
How To Study
The Masters degree is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials, supervised by fieldwork and residential field courses, laboratory and computer practical classes. The opportunity to conduct a work placement is strongly encouraged. Students will work individually, in small teams or on larger group projects. Assessments will involve research-based essays, fieldwork-based reports, conference standard presentations, reflective testimony and independent dissertation study.
Full-time students spend approximately 12 hours per week in classes spread across two days. Part-time students attend one day a week. In
addition, there is an exciting programme of regional and international site visits and field courses.
Career prospects
The Masters has an excellent pedigree and is proud of its alumni’s success. Graduates are currently pursuing careers in PhD research, commercial consultancies, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Environment Agency, Countryside Council for Wales, and the National Trust. Coastal planners and managers need a suitable background to deal
with difficult environmental issues emerging from the renewable energy debate, land-use issues and marine spatial planning. Incoming legislation
is driving a developing employment market. With career opportunities increasingly available in national and regional government, local authorities, environmental consultancies, utility companies, the construction industry and non-governmental organisations.
