MSc Freshwater and coastal sciences

Full time - C1S1
Part time (2 years) - C1S2
Part time – (up to 5 years) C1S5

Aquatic ecosystems are vital global resources. However, issues such as habitat degradation, pollution, species introductions and climate change, severely threaten their ecological integrity and sustainability. The MSc in Freshwater and coastal sciences (FACS) aims to provide students with the necessary skills to understand and tackle these issues. 

Aquatic systems covered include streams, rivers, lakes, floodplains, wetlands, mudflats, estuaries, coastal marshes and shallow seas. Taxonomic and ecological expertise is offered for a broad range of aquatic organisms. 

The programme can be taken one year full-time, on a part-time basis, as a certificate, or as a diploma.

Programme Structure

Required Modules – Aquatic systems: structure and function, Aquatic systems: hydrological, hydrochemical and geomorphological processes, Aquatic systems: science, policy and management, Statistics for the biosciences, Individual research project.  

Optional Modules – Coastal and aquatic management, Estuaries and coastal systems, Lakes and ponds, Specialist organisms (Chironomidae, Fishes, Macrophytes, Plankton, Marine invertebrate zoology, Ostracods), Streams and rivers.

Fieldwork is an important component of the MSc. There are various short trips associated with required modules, and the week-long Practical field skills and Macrophytes modules are run as residential field based modules using the facilities of the Freshwater Biological Association's River Laboratory. Marine invertebrate zoology is run on the Isle of Cumbrae, and Coastal and aquatic management takes the students to Florida, USA.

Further information is contained in the following document: 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a 2nd class BSc (Hons) degree, (or equivalent international qualification), in Biology, Geography, or other relevant natural sciences subject. Applicants with relevant professional experience in science or environmental management will also be considered. See also separate entry requirements for NERC Studentship funding.

Funding

This programme is supported by Studentships funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for Home and some EU students, and by a limited number of bursaries, including one from the Freshwater Biological Association to the value of home fees.

All applicants are automatically considered for awards and there is no separate application form.

Students who want to be considered for NERC funding should submit applications by the end of May and have, or expect to be awarded, a minimum of an upper 2nd class BSc (Hons) degree.