Heriot-Watt University

MSc Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment

Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom

Course overview

There is a global need for an interdisciplinary approach to combat the effects of climate change on the marine environment. MSc Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment provides those of you with a bachelor-level graduate degree in biology the opportunity to build your marine biology knowledge and expertise with emphasis on challenging climate change and solving maritime environmental issues. For those of you from a different academic background, the programme offers you the opportunity to prepare for employment in the marine management and planning sector.

Through studying a broad range of relevant and topical issues, you’ll gain an understanding of the causes, impacts and management measures involved in dealing with issues in the marine environment.

Key highlights

  • Interdisciplinary approach to climate change impacts on the marine environment
  • Builds marine biology expertise for biology graduates
  • Prepares non-biologists for marine management and planning careers
  • Covers causes, impacts and management of marine environmental issues
  • Focus on solving maritime environmental problems

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — to include science subject; or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Careers this course leads to

  • Marine Conservation Officer
  • Marine Planner
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Marine Biologist
  • Climate Change Policy Officer
  • Coastal Zone Manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: UK: Full Time: £15,200; Part Time: £7,600 | International: International: Full Time: £29,992; Part Time: £14,996

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Heriot-Watt University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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