Global Marine Resource Management (MSc)

You must hold a Bachelor's degree in the following, with honors not lower than the second class or with an overall GPA not less than 70%:

• Ocean Science
• Marine Science
• Life Science
• Environmental Science
• Earth Science

English is the medium of instruction at The University of Southampton (UoS) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). 

Find out more about the admission requirements.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s degree studied over 12 months. In semester 1 you’ll work with us at NOCS in the UK. In semester 2, you’ll work with HKUST in Hong Kong. You’ll begin your individual research project in semester 2 and finish it off during the summer in semester 3. 

Semester 1 overview

You’ll take part in a dedicated masters ‘Boatweek’ event, where you’ll get hands on training in marine science and geology sampling, measurement and observation techniques on board the School of Ocean and Earth Science (SOES) research vessels.  

Additional practical work in the SOES research and teaching laboratories will help to familiarise you with concepts introduced in the modules. 

Beyond the core introductory modules, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of optional modules that explore topics anywhere from deep sea ecology, to shelf seas and shelf edge dynamics.

Semester 2 overview

You’ll undertake a range of field visits designed to provide real-world examples of the material taught in the modules. These include visits to: 

• the Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre 
• Mai Po Nature Reserve 
• Fish Marketing Organisation 
• the Hong Kong Maritime Museum 
• the Tung Lung Chau mariculture demonstration farm  
• the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark 

The Ocean Research Facility provides direct access to high quality seawater, and a large-scale aquarium to support a diverse range of research activities. There are also opportunities for voluntary reef survey work over the summer semester.  

You’ll also begin your individual research project, which will be co-supervised by teaching staff from Hong Kong and Southampton. This will culminate in a project seminar and dissertation. The topic of your research project will vary depending on your interests. Previous project titles have included: 

• Microplastics impacts on benthic systems 
• Fisheries management using isotropic tracing 
• Coastal ecosystem restoration potential around Hong Kong 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll learn through a variety of:

• lectures
• seminars
• laboratory work
• boatwork
• field exercises
• group exercises
• activities with external organisations

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• written examinations
• oral presentations
• essays
• poster presentations
• laboratory experiment write ups
• fieldwork/boatwork reports

Dissertation

All students carry out a major individual research project, finishing with a project seminar and dissertation that is assessed by both your supervisor and independent second marker. Your individual research project topics will vary depending on your interests.

Academic Support

You'll have access to:

• a core team of academic staff that will provide personalised pastoral and academic guidance
• equipment to support your field work, including laptop computers, GPS, specialised shipboard data, and more
• training on our research launch, the RV Callista, which is fully equipped for boatwork practicals and project work

The program office at HKUST will provide:

• orientation events and induction programs
• first meetings for students to get acquainted with their Personal Academic Advisors

This programme will prepare you for careers in areas like: 

• marine resources management 
• marine resources exploration 
• oceanography 
• environmental conservation 
• research or education 

This could mean job opportunities within groups like: 

• government agencies, e.g. British Antarctic Survey; the Environment Agency  
• global corporations
• nature conservation groups  
• research laboratories  
• commercial consultancies 
• research or education 

Because of the unique, cross-national nature of this course, you’ll also benefit from professional networks in Hong Kong, the UK and beyond, with the HKUST Career Center providing recruitment news, career development events and consultation with career advisors. 

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Find out more about this course's fees and expenses.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

Extra costs you might have to pay

The program fee does not cover any personal expenses, including, but not limited to, the cost of travel to Southampton and Hong Kong as well as the cost of living in both places, and the cost of necessary visas. 

We do, however, offer some accommodation options for taught postgraduate students.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology does not provide on-campus accommodation to students of taught postgraduate programs. For assistance in finding off-campus accommodation, please contact Off-campus Housing Section (OCHS) by email or visit Off-Campus Housing.

You can also visit the forum managed by Mainland Students and Scholars Society (MSSS), a student organization at HKUST for more information.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

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Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is handling applications.

To apply, submit your application through the HKUST admissions system, together with the required documents.

Find out more about the application process.

Application deadlines

Online application for the 2025-26 intake opens in September 2024, and closes in June 2025. 

We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for your student visa applications, personal preparation, and your arrival at England and Hong Kong.

Supporting information

You may be required to submit supporting information for your application.

Find out more about the kinds of documents that you'll likely have to submit.

What happens after you apply

The application process is managed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

All applications are processed through the HKUST admissions system.

Find out more about the application process.
 

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000