Master in Marine Science & Climate Change
Study a highly topical subject in a truly unique location for marine and environmental biological research
KEY FACTS
Faculty:
School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
Study Options:
Full Time
Start Date:
Sept 2023
Level:
Postgraduate
Course Length:
1 Year
Fees:
Home: £8,250 per annum
International and EU: £14,950 per annum
(For 2023, international and EU fees will be the same as Home fees)
Apply:
Clearing/ late application window open until 25th August 2023.
Expert Teaching
The MSc Marine Science & Climate Change teaching team brings together a multi-disciplinary group of internationally-recognised specialists in the area of Marine Science and Climate Change who have extensive expertise in developing and delivering academic programmes in the marine sciences.
Modules
The programme is based on a series of modules in increasing levels of specialism.
- The first part of the programme will focus on oceanography and marine biology, research skills and methods, marine conservation, sustainability and management of marine ecosystems (students could exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate upon completion at this stage or progress).
- The second part will concentrate on climate-change impacts, particularly climate change adaptation and ecosystem-based disaster-risk reduction (students could exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma upon completion at this stage or progress).
- The final section of the Masters programme will involve an independent and original research project, which will be assessed via dissertation and viva.
You will undertake your research project working directly with researchers at the University of Gibraltar and potential external specialists. It may be possible to carry out your research project abroad.
Semester 1
Marine Biology, Ecosystems and Conservation
This module is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to the subject at postgraduate level that will provide a coherent and integrative baseline to support the modules on methods and techniques and the capstone module, which build upon the student’s knowledge. It will cover thematics on marine biology, species-environment interactions and conservation as well as provide students with a baseline coverage of the state of play in marine science to include aspects such as ethics and policy.
Oceanographic processes
This module is designed to establish and consolidate a body of knowledge in marine science that will serve to underpin subsequent modules in this programme. It will cover the full range of oceanographic processes in detail as well as provide students with a baseline coverage of the state of play in marine oceanographic science to include aspects such as links with climate change.
Research Skills & Methods (Sciences and Social Sciences)
This module is designed to provide students with the qualitative, quantitative and research skills required to critically analyse literature and data in order to answer research questions.
Coastal Zone Management: Area Based Marine Tools
The module examines ICZM from a range of perspectives, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), policy and legislation and those of numerous, often conflicting, stakeholder interests via case studies, role play and real-life scenarios.
Semester 2
Marine Systems and Sustainability
This module will explore the structure and functioning of coastal marine ecosystems are affected by human impacts (including land reclamation, habitat destruction and overfishing). Strategies to maximising sustainability in all scenarios are explored such as Marine spatial Planning (MSP), and various mitigating strategies are considered, including practical applications of these.
Advanced Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation
The module examines adaptation and mitigation from a range of perspectives and types, and offers a range of solutions to overcoming barriers preventing adaptation and mitigation. Included in the course structure are: practice in integrating knowledge of the interactions and processes that determine the form, function and well-being of social-ecological systems, and appreciation of their vulnerabilities and resilience to a changing climate. The modules covering energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are important additions with regards to the resilience of communities around the world.
Ecological Disaster Risk Reduction
The module takes a broad, holistic perspective to reflect that which is needed for Eco-DRR. It presents concepts and approaches, both scientific and community-based, and case studies. It also provides participants with practical exercises in order to apply the concepts and approaches being taught. It will examine Eco-DRR from a range of perspectives and types, and offer a range of solutions to overcoming barriers preventing Eco-DRR.
Capstone
The Capstone module will enable students to demonstrate a systematic understanding of the knowledge gained in previous modules, and to apply this knowledge to a practical setting of their choosing; to demonstrate a critical awareness of current problems which is informed by their chosen field of study/interest; to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, and where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses; to demonstrate a high level of skill in problem solving, analysis and critical evaluation.
Semester 3
Independent research-based project
This module will aid the students in their transition from primarily receptors of information into to becoming independent researchers. It will hone their scientific skills in hypothesis-development and testing, critical thinking, communication and stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, critical evaluation and reflection, scientific writing, verbal presentation and oral defence. This module will be of particular relevance to students wishing to progress into an academic research career or PhD study.
*Please note there are shared modules and content between the Marine Science & Environmental Science programmes and as such students will engage in Peer-2-Peer learning strategies learning about concepts and topics with shared interests and applicability.
| Exit Award level | Module | Credits |
| Marine Biology, Ecosystems and Conservation | 15 | |
| Oceanographic Processes | 15 | |
| Research Skills and Methods | 15 | |
| PGCert | Coastal Zone Management: Area-based Marine tools | 15 |
| Marine Ecosystems and Sustainability | 15 | |
| Climate Change Adaptation | 15 | |
| Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction | 15 | |
| PGDip | Capstone project | 15 |
| Master’s | Research-based Project | 60 |
CATS = Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme where 1 CAT = 10 notional (contact + individual) hours of study
The MSc in Marine Science and Climate Change programme has been designed blending elements of Marine Science programme whilst dedicated to promote understanding and advanced skills relating to marine and coastal Climate Change Adaptation and Ecological Disaster and Risk Reduction. The programme provides insights in to ‘real-world’ applications as well as maximising the skills of students to produce highly-skilled graduates with the specialist skills required to tackle ecological scenarios of the 21st Century.
Designed and delivered by expert academics and scientists, this full-time interdisciplinary programme blends theoretical study with practical, field-based work.
You will cover specialist subject areas and gain the skills required to tackle the complex issues associated with the sustainable development of marine ecosystems.
Our Past Valedictorians
Read what our two most recent Valedictorians had to say about their experience on the Master in Marine Science & Climate Change programme and at the University of Gibraltar.
“Studying at the University of Gibraltar meant learning somewhere surrounded by coastline, practical classes on your doorstep and research topics that can actually make an impact. I am thankful for everything I learnt during my time here, not only academically but from the people that I had the opportunity to work with. I have taken everything I learned with me into my career in marine conservation where I now work for a Turtle Rehabilitation and Coral Restoration organisation in the Maldives.”
Bethany Louisa Lesley WilkinsonMSc Marine Science and Climate Change| January 2021 Cohort
“Studying Marine Science and Climate Change was a uniquely wonderful experience, from the subject matter, to the location, to friends met along the way. I researched interactions between marine litter and deep-sea fauna, bringing to light some unseen impacts that humans have on our ocean. I’m excited to use all I learned at the University of Gibraltar to start my career in environmental conservation in California.”
Alice Lauren BruemmerMSc Marine Science and Climate Change
Meet the students
Swipe through to take a look at our Marine Science student profiles:
"My research project aimed to develop recommendations to support the delivery of additional marine management actions in Gibraltar. The rationale for this study was to bridge knowledge gaps on the marine environments around Gibraltar, through a review of literature on UK and UK Overseas Territories (UKOT) marine environments and management policies."
"The proposed study aims to conduct Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) deployments in order to assess the specie abundance as well as the prey trophic structure of Dentex dentex in the Natural Marine Park of Cap Corse and Agriate in protected and unprotected sites of professional and recreational fishing, in collaboration with Stella Mare laboratory."
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Adrianna Proetta
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
Read full profile“This course has given me a completely different view on Gibraltar, and it makes me fall in love with Gibraltar in a different way”
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Michael Simmons
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
Read full profile“There is still a lot that needs to be studied here in Gibraltar as well, which makes it a really exciting place to be as a student who wants to do research.”
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Livia Lang
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
Read full profile“In Gibraltar, we have the unique opportunity to understand the relationship between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, this makes it an interesting location to study.”
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John Yanez Dobson
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
Read full profile“Despite me already having done a master’s program in the UK previously, the location, contacts and new lessons will fuel my future career.”
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Riccardo Fornasari
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Tess Beckwith
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘I’m not just learning inside of the classroom but able to go right into the field and do valuable work. That is something unique to this place’.
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Teagan Miller
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘I wanted to learn in a unique place. Gibraltar straddles the Mediterranean and Atlantic, which brings many different types of marine organisms to its shores. I also like the university’s small size; it creates a personalised experience’.
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Rachelle Hicks
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘If you’re looking for an interesting, supportive university with a diverse academia, then look no further. You won’t regret it’.
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Patricia Vidal Geraldino
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘The university has a great science program that covers all topics. The knowledge gain in this program will open many opportunities for them.’
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Nadine Mauch
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘You are going to like the familiar feeling of the University and how the classes are very close to reality. The network of the University is great too and enables you to get an insight in certain areas already while you’re studying’.
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Mariela Perez Ponzanelli
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile“The University is a different institution where students are treated as individuals and learning is seen as the key to success and a means by itself.”
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Lucy Darby
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile“It’s definitely a choice I’m glad I made! Make the most of your experience here, meet as many people as you can and don’t be scared to try new things.”
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Jule Buschmann
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘If you’re thinking of coming here, I’d say do it! If you’re interested in marine science and looking for a course that has a very personal, hands-on approach, this is the place to do it’.
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Alice Bruemmer
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Arianna Talas
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile‘It feels weird to be a student again, but I have been loving the experience so far. I love that everyone recognises each other, and I feel well-supported
here’. -
Frances M. Miranda Soler
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile“Coming to study at the University of Gibraltar has been a great opportunity to grow as a person and a scientist. It will open doors to new adventures, skills and knowledge.”
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Guilherme Rosado
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
read full profile“If you are looking for an excellent course in marine science and a fantastic lifestyle to go with it, you’ve found it! You will not regret it.”
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Elly Clay
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Natalie Muirhead-Davies
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Elisa Benozzi
PhD
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Xavier Villar Buzo
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Natalie Coles
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Baptiste Orsoni
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Chynara Kamalova
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Samantha Slisarenko
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Ingrid Tissot van Patot
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
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Carol Baily
MSc in Marine Science & Climate Change
Dissertations
Explore previous cohorts dissertations via the drop-down menu below:
2022
| Name | Dissertation title | In collaboration with | Outputs |
| Carol Baily | A survey of the richness and abundance of fish species in and around the Arch, Barranco Seco, Los Gigantes, Tenerife. | Research Profile | |
| Alice Bruemmer | The Alice Project: Assessment of Litter-fauna Interactions in submarine Canyon Environments. | – | |
| Paolla Cerqueira | First marine litter assessment in Gibraltar: low-cost and easy to replicate methodology. | – | |
| Yasmine Charrak | Evaluation of Environmental and Anthropogenic Drivers of Selected Limpet Populations in Gibraltar: Featuring the Effects of Oestrogenic Hormones. | – | |
| Eleanor Clay | Investigating the use of artisanal style shelter fishing pots for Octopus vulgaris as artificial dens to increase habitat availability and the abundance of Octopus vulgaris in Gibraltar. | Research Profile | |
| Natalie Coles | Review of Marine Management in UK Overseas Territories: A Roadmap for Gibraltar. | Research Profile | |
| Sid Dewfall | Shooting the Stars: ’An Ecological Assessment of the Distribution and Health Status of Astroides calycularis in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. | – | |
| Peyton Dryer | Rays of hope: The first study conducted on the species richness and conservation of batoid populations in the British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). | – | |
| Francesca Gagliardi | Recreational fishing impact on dolphins in the Bay of Gibraltar. | – | |
| Sarah Goh | Mind the Gap: Bridging the biodiversity framework gap in effectiveness evaluation for micro Marine Protected Areas. | – | |
| Laura Hinze | The Effects of Hypersaline Desalination Effluence on Benthic Communities in Gibraltar’s Camp Bay. | – | |
| Chynara Kamalova | Investigation of Policies and Best Practices for the Implementation of the Reduction of Ship Emissions and Low Emission Areas Via Operational and Technical Measures. | Research Profile | |
| Hajnalka Kiss | Implication for coastal water quality and human health: the potential for colonisation of epiphytic faecal bacteria (Escherichia coli) on Rugulopteryx okamurae. | – | |
| Linda Mazza | Cetacean-Vessel Interactions in the Strait of Gibraltar. | – | |
| Natalie Muirhead-Davies | Defining healthy rocky reefs: Conservation tools to provide advice for effective, sustainable marine management. | Research Profile | |
| Baptiste Orsoni | Assessment of Dentex dentex abundance and prey trophic structure in a Corsican Marine Protected Area using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) sampling. | Research Profile | |
| Daphne Pezij | Health status and characterisation of Gibraltar’s maerl. | – | |
| Jasmin Plummer | Climate change and coastal tourism: Pioneering a metric for hotel environmental sustainability, in Gibraltar. | – | |
| Kellie Rana | Conversations about Conservation: Strengthening Marine Protected Areas through Decentralised Governance Approaches and the Scaling-up of Human Dimensions. | – | |
| Aviad Reed | Investigating mussel farming in Gibraltar waters: A circular, cost-effective, nature-based solution for wave energy attenuation and food security. | – | |
| Laurent Righetti | Assessing the Presence and Abundance of the Finger-Shaped Sea Pen (Veretillum cynomorium) Within the Bay of Gibraltar. | – | |
| Samantha Slisarenko | The effects of climate variability on a top pelagic predator assessed through stable isotope and stomach content analyses. | Research Profile | |
| Ingrid Tissot van Patot | A Description of Prokaryotic Picoplanktonic Communities and their Relationships with the Physio-Chemical Environment in PRODIGIO’s Wastewater Algae Raceway. | Research Profile | |
| Xavier Villar Buzo | Assessment of marine recreational fishing effort pressure at Europa Reef; Southern Waters MCZ. | Research Profile |
2021
| Name | Dissertation title | In collaboration with | Outputs |
| Adrianna Proetta | Recreational fishing impacts on Dolphins: A study on prevalence in Gibraltarian waters and public perceptions on fishermen-dolphin interactions. | Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage
MMRIC |
Research Profile. |
| John Antony Yañez Dobson | Jellyfish: A potential coastal threat?; Assessment of Public Perceptions and Integration of Citizen Science to aid global gaps in knowledge of Spatial and Temporal distribution of jellyfish (Cnidaria & Ctenophora). | Universidad de Alicante | – |
| Julian Koplin | The zooplankton community in the Bay of Gibraltar under tidal influences and recommendations for future monitoring studies. | Department of the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage
Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research |
Research Profile. |
| Lilli Marie Blume
|
Form follows function?: The influence of algal architecture on epifaunal assemblages in the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae in Gibraltar. | – | Research Profile. |
| Lívia Lang | Methodological framework to assess the health status of gorgonian species. | University of Plymouth | Research Profile. |
| Lucinda Rosheuvel | Community structure and its role within ecosystem artificial reef The Ark. | University of Plymouth
Gibraltar Sub Aqua Association Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage |
Research profile. |
| María Renee Contreras Merida | Characterisation of the underwater noise caused by marine traffic in the Bay of Gibraltar. | Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas, UK) | Research profile. |
| Riccardo Fornasari | The concept of Green Port as a driver of positive change for both local and international level and possible implementation in Gibraltar. | Ramboll | Research profile. |
| Ambroise Albert | Quantification of pelagic and benthic fish using baited remote underwater camera in Gibraltar. | – | |
| Amy Swift | PROJECT MIS: Investigating the presence of non-native species in Mid Harbour Small Boats Marina, assessing recreational vessels as vectors, and exploring stakeholder engagement in implications for marine management. | Research Profile | |
| Bethany Wilkinson | Microplastic survey of abundance and characterisation across the shores of Gibraltar: A marine management issue. | Research Profile | |
| Michael Simmons | The Use of Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) to Assess the influence of habitat complexity and Anthropogenic Activity on the abundance and Behaviour in Coastal Fish (Labridae & Sparidae): Implications for Marine Management. | Department of the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage. |
Research Profile |
2020
| Name | Dissertation title | In collaboration with | Outputs |
| Clive Crisp | Understanding the specific pressures and methodologies of marine recreational fishing and impact to demersal fish species in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters and mapping marine recreational fishing hotspots | Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage. | – |
| Albert Gonzalez | A review of the vector, pathway, distribution and management of Invasive marine species | – | – |
| Luisa Haasova | Identifying the importance of cultural ecosystem services (II-CES): non-monetary valuation | Cardiff University | Poster presentation to the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum conference; 9th March 2021. |
| Ivan Hernandez
|
Marine litter in submarine canyons:
A case study of the SW Approaches |
University of Plymouth
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS). |
Invited talk to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); 9th Sept 2020. |
| Ken Ruiz | Nature-based solutions for increasing marine biodiversity in Gibraltar | – | Poster presentation to the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum conference; 9th March 2021. |
| Petros Dimitriou | Patella ferruginea distributions at the Western side of Gibraltar, the future threat of sea level rise and a novel method for morphotype identification | Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage. | – |
| Emma Hall | Evaluation of citizenship attitudes and attachments towards the marine environment in Gibraltar with a view to informing sustainable marine governance practices | University of Malta | Research Profile |
| Maite Kesteleyn | Assessing the use of the underwater camera in Gibraltar as a marine monitoring tool, to improve conservation practices, increase awareness and monitor biodiversity | Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage. | – Poster presentation to the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum conference; 9th March 2021. – Runner-up Poster Prize – UKOTCF conference 2021. – GBC interview. |
| Francine Pons | Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Straits of Gibraltar: from historical to recreational fisheries, and recommendations for implementing a catch-and-release fishery via stakeholder engagement. | Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage. | – Poster presentation to the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum conference; 9t |
Research Themes and Dissertations
QAA Global Accreditation
The University is delighted to have achieved global accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the UK’s independent quality body and a global leader in quality assurance for higher education.
“In achieving QAA’s global accreditation, the University has displayed its compatibility with international best practice.”
Vicki Scott, UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Chief Executive.
Entry Requirements
Typically, all applicants will have:
- Possess a minimum of a second class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Be able to communicate ideas effectively in writing, in discussions and presentations. Basic IT skills, such as word-processing, email and Internet are expected.
- Alternate entry into the Masters programme can be achieved through suitably documented extensive work experience (e.g. >1 year) relevant to the programme (e.g. marine environmental research, government planning, environmental impact work, work for non-governmental organisation i.e. NGO or international agency). Such applicants may be required to submit a discursive account of why this experience is relevant.
English language requirements:
- An overall IELTS test result of 6.5, including a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-tests. Equivalent awards will be considered (e.g. Pearson’s Test of English, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, Duolingo English Test, City & Guilds International ESOL 8984, or the TOEFL- IBT test of English proficiency). If you do not meet our entry requirements, you can still apply as we will consider your application.
Offers are based on a combination of qualifications or predicted grades, the applicant’s personal statement and references. For guidelines on personal statements and references please click here.
Fees
| Programme | Fee (per annum) | Year |
| Home | £8,250 | 1 |
| International and EU | £14,950 | 1 (For 2023, international and EU fees will be the same as Home fees) |
Note: the above fees are for the Academic year 2023/24 and are subject to indexation. Fees for Part-Time students would be half the respective Full-Time fees per annum.
Scholarships
The University of Gibraltar hosts or directly offers a limited number of scholarship programmes to support your studies. These scholarships are highly competitive; they are available to support undergraduate, Master’s degree and PhD programmes and are made available to students based on certain criteria.
If you have been resident in Gibraltar for more than five years then, once you receive your offer letter from the University of Gibraltar, you can apply to the Department of Education for funding.
Apply
Clearing/late application window open until 25th August 2023 for non-visa requiring students. To apply, email our Student Experience Team via the button below or call (00350) 200 71000 ext. 901
Email us
Please note that we typically respond to all emails within 48 hours. We advise that applicants call on weekdays between the hours of 09.00 – 15.30 (CEST).
Applications for students requiring a visa are now closed for the academic year 2023/2024.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Contact us via the enquire button for more information.
Student Accommodation
Accommodation for University of Gibraltar students is available at the purpose built Europa Suites, located just a two-minute walk from our Europa Point Campus.
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Payment Method(s)
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