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Accessibility & LanguageCoastal & Marine Environments: Physical Processes, Policy & Practice (MSc)
MSc (Coastal & Marine Environments: Physical Processes, Policy & Practice)
, School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies- Title of Award
- Master of Science
- Course Code
- MSC-CME
- Average Intake
- 15
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Major
- Next Intake
- September 2026
- Duration
- 1 year, full-time I 2 years, part-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 90
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
Coastal and Marine Environments: Physical Processes, Policy and Practice is a full-time postgraduate MSc programme delivered over 3 semesters (12 months). It is directed at graduates from Geography, Natural Sciences and other related disciplines in the social and natural sciences, and at professionals in the field who are interested in furthering their knowledge of coastal and marine environments. A part-time option is available for mid-career EU residents with professional backgrounds and training.
Modules (all 10 ECTS unless otherwise stated)
Year 1 (90 Credits)
Required TI6142: Geospatial Techniques
Required TI6134: Dynamics of Climate Change
Required TI6148: Coastal Geomorphology
Required TI6109: Dissertation (Research Paper)
Required TI6151: Coastal and Marine Resilience
Required TI6105: Biodiversity and Coastal Change
Required TI6147: Sustainability Planning and Policy for Marine Environments
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
RequiredTI6142: Geospatial Techniques
TI6142: Geospatial Techniques
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This course focuses on core and advanced topics of Geographic Information Systems as well as techniques in spatial data analyses. Software packages including ArcGIS and QGIS will be utilised, as well as programming language (e.g., R, Python) to automate analyses.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the practical skills of Geographic Information Systems through project design and completion.
- Perform analyses and interpolation of spatial data sets.
- Produce maps and other visual products of analyses and interpolation.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems" by Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver
ISBN: 978-027372259.
Publisher: Longman - "Image Processing and GIS for Remote Sensing: Techniques and Applications" by Jian Guo Liu and Philippa J. Mason
ISBN: 978-111872420.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell - "Hands-On Geospatial Analysis with R and QGIS" by Shammunul Islam
ISBN: 978-178899167.
Publisher: Packt Publishing - "Discover QGIS 3.x: A Workbook for Classroom or Independent Study" by Kurt Menke
ISBN: 978-099854776.
Publisher: Locate Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredTI6134: Dynamics of Climate Change
TI6134: Dynamics of Climate Change
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
Earth’s climate system represents a complex and dynamic interplay of the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. As an integral part of that system, human activity is influenced by – and increasingly influencing – climate variability on both regional and global scales. This module explores the principal physical processes driving climate, known mechanisms by which local perturbations are transmitted globally, and climatic tipping points that hold the key to abrupt change. Students will be introduced to current concepts in climate dynamics, physical records of past climate change, and the ramifications of anthropogenic activity for future climate. Emphasis will be placed on how we know what we do, and remaining knowledge gaps, within the context of the IPCC 5th Assessment. Case studies will demonstrate the marine, terrestrial, and human aspects of our dynamic climate and our strategies for adaptation and mitigation in a warming world.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Conceptualise the fundamental components of the climate system within regional and global contexts
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of marine and terrestrial climate data and their interpretations
- Project plausible future impacts of anthropogenic climate change on regional and global scales
- Identify key concerns and knowledge gaps for 21st Century society in the face of global warming
- Identify and outline critical areas for future research in this discipline
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (70%)
- Research (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module TI6134: "Dynamics of Climate Change" and is valid from 2023 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredTI6148: Coastal Geomorphology
TI6148: Coastal Geomorphology
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
This module focuses on identifying and understanding the complex relationships between the suite of physical processes actively shaping the coast. Emphasis is put on operationalising the measurement and monitoring of key geomorphological concepts. Other themes examine how multi-disciplinary field-based sciences are informing coastal management and planning strategies, with climate change as a critical component.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically engage with diverse stakeholder valuations of coastal environments.
- Differentiate between various key natural and anthropogenic drivers shaping coastal systems
- Demonstrate effective understanding of the key inter-related components in coastal morphodynamics, using a systems approach
- Critically evaluate the different field methods used in analysing and interpreting the behaviour of coastal environments
- Conduct a study on a particular aspect of coastal morphodynamics; write a report of this research; and present the findings to a professional standard.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology" by Gerhard Masselink,Michael G. Hughes,Jasper Knight
ISBN: 1444122401.
Publisher: Routledge - "Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology" by Robin Davidson-Arnott,Bernard Bauer,Chris Houser
ISBN: 9781108424271.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredTI6109: Dissertation (Research Paper)
TI6109: Dissertation (Research Paper)
15 months long | Credits: 30
This is a key module in the programme. It allows students to develop, organise and execute a research project based on independent research which will bring to the fore their critical analysis skills, their practical and applied skills and their ability to link classroom and real world challenges. The conducting of an independent research project is one of the foremost skills developed during a student’s academic career.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Conceptualise a research problem
- Design and execute a research project (project management skills)
- Communicate research questions, methods and results
- Critically evaluate scientific methodologies
- Critically evaluate the quality and sensitivity of scientific results
- Apply critical analyses in areas relating to contemporary coastal and marine systems
Assessments
- Research (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- CHRISTINA COSTELLO HAVERTY 🖂
- KEVIN LYNCH 🖂
- AARON POTITO 🖂
- CHAOSHENG ZHANG 🖂
- EUGENE FARRELL 🖂
- AUDREY MORLEY 🖂
- TERRY MORLEY 🖂
- LIAM CARR 🖂
- GORDON BROMLEY 🖂
Reading List
- "will be made available to students" by A list of diverse and tailored readings
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredTI6151: Coastal and Marine Resilience
TI6151: Coastal and Marine Resilience
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module focuses on methods to build innovative, evidence-based roadmaps for policy makers, state and public bodies, and coastal communities to identify new actions to reduce coastal risks the coming decades. The module builds on reported results in ‘Building coastal and marine resilience in Ireland’ and ‘Building Coastal Resilience in Europe’ that illustrate that risk reduction not only depends on action by all levels of government but also on sustained dialogue and engagement with the relevant stakeholders, including coastal communities. The implementation of a myriad of EU Directives, climate- and biodiversity laws and the transposition of these into national legislation renders the management and prevention of coastal risk a very complex field.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the multi-faceted nature of coastal and marine ‘risk’ and 'resilience' concepts
- Apply the concept of risk and resilience to analyse the contributions made by natural and human components
- Appriase the extent to which EU policy and the national legislative framework considers coastal risks and resilience
- Determine the extent to which these policies are incorporated into regional and local decision-making
- Identify how coastal communities, NGO's and other stakeholders are engaged in policy, science and management.
- Integrate existing 'tools' in their coastal risk decision-making
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- CHRISTINA COSTELLO HAVERTY 🖂
- KEVIN LYNCH 🖂
- AARON POTITO 🖂
- CHAOSHENG ZHANG 🖂
- EUGENE FARRELL 🖂
- AUDREY MORLEY 🖂
- TERRY MORLEY 🖂
- LIAM CARR 🖂
- GORDON BROMLEY 🖂
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredTI6105: Biodiversity and Coastal Change
TI6105: Biodiversity and Coastal Change
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Coastal habitats are one of the most sensitive environments to climate change. This course aims to foster an interdisciplinary assessment and analysis of coastal biodiversity science and conservation within a context of global change. The module will expose students to current ecological methods, major threats to coastal environments, and the legislative framework used to implement conservation and restoration in coastal ecosystems.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe the primary factors affecting the distribution, diversity and function of coastal species and ecosystems.
- Understand and implement standard methods to measure and quantify biodiversity across temporal and spatial scales.
- Evaluate and apply the current legislative structure of coastal conservation.
- Demonstrate application of conservation priorities in a changing environment.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Biological diversity: frontiers in measurement and assessment." by Magurran, A. (ed.) & McGill, B. J. (ed.)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredTI6147: Sustainability Planning and Policy for Marine Environments
TI6147: Sustainability Planning and Policy for Marine Environments
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module critically reviews how society has viewed and used the marine environment through history, examines evolving views on how these systems have been valued, evaluates various policies and practices employed in its management, and explores current and future issues that threaten marine system functionality. Students will be introduced to a range of tools used in managing the marine environment, investigate policy and practice suitability at multiple scales, and gain theoretical insights on sustainability in a marine and coastal context, using Ireland as a case study.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Critique and apply a range of geographical concepts and discourse to marine spatial planning debates
- Develop and employ a practical understanding of relevant EU Directives related to the planning and use of marine and coastal systems, as well as related Irish legislation, policies, plans, and strategies
- Apply and critique the use of various regulatory and participatory tools that promote concepts of sustainability in relation to established policy goals
- Develop and interpret spatial data through GIS to critically analyse emerging discourses on sustainability in marine and coastal systems
- Write in a way that explores, synthesises, and critiques academic material while relating it to advancements in the field of marine spatial planning
- Demonstrate independent thinking and strategic planning through group activities and discussion
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course through various critical lenses to critique efforts that define and pursue sustainability within contemporary planning and policies of marine and coastal systems
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (55%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (45%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Ocean Zoning: Making Marine Management More Effective" by Agardy, T.
ISBN: 1844078221.
Publisher: Earthscan
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
This course presents graduates with opportunities across various fields (coastal and marine science, environment, politics, planning, NGOs, local and regional agencies, research agencies, research laboratories and programmes, etc.). Placement opportunities offer practical work experience that will enhance career prospects.
The MSc combines innovative teaching methods with practical, field based learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive seminars and workshops led by expert faculty.
Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.
Assessment is by means of a mixture of classroom participation, presentations, and written assignments, including a thesis based on independent coastal research.
Stay updated with the latest news through the link below.
Programme Director(s):
Dr Kevin Lynch
Programme Director
Discipline of Geography
E: kevin.lynch@universityofgalway.ie
Accreditations & Awards
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
Level 8 degree, Second Class Honours or equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 1 or equivalent in a relevant field of study. Selection is based on candidates’ academic record at undergraduate level, statement of intent and academic letters of recommendation.
You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.
You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.
Closing Dates
For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.
Notes
- You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
- Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Full Time | 1 | €8,150 | €19,300 | €140 | €8,290 | €19,440 |
For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships
This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if:
- You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
- You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.
An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.
Global Scholarships
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.
Application Process
Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.
Further Information
Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
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Course Introduction
The MSc in Coastal and Marine Environments is directed at graduates from Geography, Natural Sciences and other related disciplines in the social and natural sciences, and at professionals in the field who are interested in furthering their knowledge of the field.
Coastal and marine environments are critical to local and national economies, support diverse habitats and communities, and provide a suite of ecosystem services. This field-intensive postgraduate programme examines emerging discourses surrounding the long-term health, use, and management of coastal and marine systems.
